Need New Marketing and Selling Ideas? Ask Your Staff
December 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Bob Janet asked:
“You must continually find new ideas, strategies and techniques to increase your sales and profits. If you are not moving forward you are falling behind. There is no such thing as staying even in the selling business.”
Who talks to your customers more than you do? Who knows what will most satisfy your customers? Who knows what will attract customers to your business? Your Staff!!
From USA TODAY June 29, 2005
GM’s employee-discount offer on new autos pays off
General Motors has hit upon a possible escape from the big sales incentive that have ruined its bottom line without boosting it market share.
The strategy is akin to one-price selling, minimizing distasteful negotiation. GM doesn’t call it one-price, but that is at the core of GM’s current promotion- selling anybody a vehicle for the price an employee would pay.
Preliminary June data from analysts show that the program, which grew out of employee suggestions, is wildly successful. It appears to have boosted GM
sales 20% to 30%.
How would you like to increase your sales 20% to 30%?
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS WILL MAKE YOU MONEY
All you have to do is:
1. Ask your staff for ideas.
2. Reward them for giving you ideas.
Get the ball rolling on profit increasing ideas at your sales meetings. Start every meeting with thank you’s, congratulations and rewards for ideas generated at the previous meeting and during the course of each day.
Start with Thank you’s. Then reward those who gave you ideas you used and ideas you did not use.
Why reward them for ideas not used? You do not want your staff to become discouraged. And, sometimes the ideas you do not think are worth trying today will be ideas you cherish in the future.
When turning down an idea, explain to them in detail why you did not use the idea. Give them the opportunity to defend and further explain how they feel the idea will help you increase sales and profits and grow your business. You will start a brainstorming session and many profit making ideas will be discovered.
Your rewards do not have to be of great value. We give bigger rewards for bigger and better ideas.
Suggested rewards
1. Cash
2. Tickets to events
3. Dinners
4. Merchandise
5. Paid day off
Some of the great money making ideas my employees came up with for my businesses:
Video rental store:
Not charging the customers for rewinding videos.
My video store staff listened to the customers complaining about being charged 10 cents for not rewinding the rented videos. They figured out how much money we netted in a month from the charges and presented it to me with the prediction that we could take customers away from the competition by not charging the fee. We took many customers away from our competition for only the cost of a dime.
Tire store:
Asking every customer to purchase a valve stem with every tire purchased that we mounted on their vehicle. We charged $1 for the valve stem, they cost us 15 cents. We sold an average of 500 tires a week. You do the math!
Electronics and Appliance stores:
7 days a week service. One of my sales professionals realized televisions, stereos, VCR’s and camcorders broke down when they were being used. Most people use these items in the evenings and weekends when we and our competition were closed. By simply having someone available to give the customer, with the broken equipment, a loaner item we increased our sales 15%.
Jewelry store:
Put a small jewelery case display in every store. When we opened our jewelry store we certainly were not known as jewelers. We were not, we were retailers. To take advantage of all the store traffic we had in our tire, electronics, appliance, and furniture stores we put a small display of jewelry in each store with signage announcing our jewelry store. An employee idea that propelled us to the top jewelry seller in our market.
Furniture store:
Changing the layout of the store. One day a sales professional in my furniture store said, “I have an idea. Since our largest profits. And his largest commissions come from the sale of bedding, why don’t we put the bedding at the front of the store, instead of the back where we and all our competition currently put it.?” He got a very nice reward, for that idea doubled his commissions.
If you’re not increasing sales you are falling behind.
There is no such thing as staying even. From the book “You’re Not Lost Until You Are Out Of Gas”
Ask and Reward your staff for ideas that will increase your sales and profits.
“You must continually find new ideas, strategies and techniques to increase your sales and profits. If you are not moving forward you are falling behind. There is no such thing as staying even in the selling business.”
Who talks to your customers more than you do? Who knows what will most satisfy your customers? Who knows what will attract customers to your business? Your Staff!!
From USA TODAY June 29, 2005
GM’s employee-discount offer on new autos pays off
General Motors has hit upon a possible escape from the big sales incentive that have ruined its bottom line without boosting it market share.
The strategy is akin to one-price selling, minimizing distasteful negotiation. GM doesn’t call it one-price, but that is at the core of GM’s current promotion- selling anybody a vehicle for the price an employee would pay.
Preliminary June data from analysts show that the program, which grew out of employee suggestions, is wildly successful. It appears to have boosted GM
sales 20% to 30%.
How would you like to increase your sales 20% to 30%?
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS WILL MAKE YOU MONEY
All you have to do is:
1. Ask your staff for ideas.
2. Reward them for giving you ideas.
Get the ball rolling on profit increasing ideas at your sales meetings. Start every meeting with thank you’s, congratulations and rewards for ideas generated at the previous meeting and during the course of each day.
Start with Thank you’s. Then reward those who gave you ideas you used and ideas you did not use.
Why reward them for ideas not used? You do not want your staff to become discouraged. And, sometimes the ideas you do not think are worth trying today will be ideas you cherish in the future.
When turning down an idea, explain to them in detail why you did not use the idea. Give them the opportunity to defend and further explain how they feel the idea will help you increase sales and profits and grow your business. You will start a brainstorming session and many profit making ideas will be discovered.
Your rewards do not have to be of great value. We give bigger rewards for bigger and better ideas.
Suggested rewards
1. Cash
2. Tickets to events
3. Dinners
4. Merchandise
5. Paid day off
Some of the great money making ideas my employees came up with for my businesses:
Video rental store:
Not charging the customers for rewinding videos.
My video store staff listened to the customers complaining about being charged 10 cents for not rewinding the rented videos. They figured out how much money we netted in a month from the charges and presented it to me with the prediction that we could take customers away from the competition by not charging the fee. We took many customers away from our competition for only the cost of a dime.
Tire store:
Asking every customer to purchase a valve stem with every tire purchased that we mounted on their vehicle. We charged $1 for the valve stem, they cost us 15 cents. We sold an average of 500 tires a week. You do the math!
Electronics and Appliance stores:
7 days a week service. One of my sales professionals realized televisions, stereos, VCR’s and camcorders broke down when they were being used. Most people use these items in the evenings and weekends when we and our competition were closed. By simply having someone available to give the customer, with the broken equipment, a loaner item we increased our sales 15%.
Jewelry store:
Put a small jewelery case display in every store. When we opened our jewelry store we certainly were not known as jewelers. We were not, we were retailers. To take advantage of all the store traffic we had in our tire, electronics, appliance, and furniture stores we put a small display of jewelry in each store with signage announcing our jewelry store. An employee idea that propelled us to the top jewelry seller in our market.
Furniture store:
Changing the layout of the store. One day a sales professional in my furniture store said, “I have an idea. Since our largest profits. And his largest commissions come from the sale of bedding, why don’t we put the bedding at the front of the store, instead of the back where we and all our competition currently put it.?” He got a very nice reward, for that idea doubled his commissions.
If you’re not increasing sales you are falling behind.
There is no such thing as staying even. From the book “You’re Not Lost Until You Are Out Of Gas”
Ask and Reward your staff for ideas that will increase your sales and profits.
A New Affordable Jewellery shopping experience for the fashion-conscious
Susan Salkeld asked:
Jewellery Shop Online is a flourishing Irish-based costume and designer jewellery store. As the name suggests, the difference here to the usual pricey High Street jewellery shops is that all their elegant goods can be viewed via the internet from the comfort of your own home. The website is highly appealing with a very professional and modern layout. The business was set up and developed by Susan Salkeld, who has a keen interest in ladies fashions. The online jewellery store is based in Dublin but delivers to all of Ireland, as well as catering for regular customers across Europe and even farther afield.
Susan explains the concept and philosophy behind her growing venture, “Having often purchased designer clothes and footwear myself from worldwide internet shops, I realised that the necessary accessories were not so readily available online. I found this odd because items such as costume jewellery and bags are not as bulky as clothing and shoes [for delivery] which now sell extremely well over the internet. After chatting with a few jewellery designers, I decided that I could provide a service to introduce and supply beautiful, modern pieces of jewellery which compliment today’s fashions.”
“At Jewellery Shop Online we want to bring variety, colour and glamour to the jewellery accessory market. There’s a real wow-factor about most of the items we offer, especially when actually seen and handled. But we also hope our affordable prices bring an extra smile when the buyer realises how much cash they’ve saved by browsing around our shop.”
Susan personally vetted high-quality suppliers from around the globe and then selected the extensive range of stunning products on display. Notable collections include:
Krystal London -Krystal are recognised as the leading designers and manufacturers of exquisite designer jewellery using only the highest grade Swarovski Crystals. They are universally renowned for their high quality pieces and attention to detail. Huge dangling chandelier earrings, crystal shower necklaces and cuffs are just some of the pieces you can view in this collection. Everything in Krystal’s display is designed by Kish Vasa who has over 20 years of experience, thus guaranteeing exceptional and unique designs.
Lola Rose – In their section, you find examples of some of the most beautiful semi-precious jewellery on offer today. You will be dazzled by creations in an array of stunning and unusual colours. Susan has called upon the services of Lola Rose’s leading modern jewellery creator, the highly-talented Nicola Gewirtz, to offer pieces which catch the eye with great effect.
The Silver Collection – For fans of silver jewellery, Susan has hand-picked a great range of desirable items which will “set off” your outfit, regardless of the occasion. From beautiful dress rings and classical necklaces to stylish cuff bangles and bracelets, Jewellery Shop Online doesn’t disappoint in silverwear accessories. The website is proud to boast that all its silver goods are hallmarked after passing the most rigorous of inspections at The Assay Office in Dublin Castle.
Rhinestone Crystal Jewellery – For that special occasion, Susan’s e-commerce shop can provide those important finishing touches to a memorable outfit; sparkling rhinestone crystal chokers, co-ordinated earring & necklace sets, tiaras, etc. Some items have been selected with weddings in mind, but the more understated designs are perfect to add class and sophistication to evening and party wear.
Jewellery Shop Online has a fabulously large selection of general designs featuring semi-precious stones which originate from all corners of the world. In some cases, the ethnic origins of the pieces come to the fore, literally in their shape, weight and highly attractive but rare colours. Other creations follow more traditional, antique styles but here the nicest surprise comes by way of their pricing which would suit anyone’s pocket even in these hard times.
Susan knows that fashion-conscious women must spend their hard earned money wisely. As she points out, “We have done thorough research regarding our jewellery pricing structure and our aim is to offer the lowest possible prices for all our jewellery lines. Our designer jewellery is on average 15% lower than anything like its equivalent in trendy department stores in Ireland. Our prices start as low as €8; in fact most of our stock cost less than €100 per item and we don’t retail anything valued over €300. We wanted to offer our customers something different that was affordable, so that we ladies can occasionally spoil ourselves without feeling guilty.”
The beauty about buying online apart from the obvious – trying to find time in our busy lives to take a day out to walk around various shops, sitting in traffic jams, parking problems, queuing at tills, etc – is that the prices are often much less than buying in the High Street shops. Susan confirms that this is mainly due to the online retailer not having to pay rent on display premises, and the saving in overheads is then passed on to the customer. Many people these days prefer to do their shopping via a convenient laptop or PC, and then have the ordered items delivered right to their front door. Susan sees no reason why shopping for good quality jewellery cannot follow this increasing trend.
Jewellery Shop Online imports its stocklist from countries all over the world. By doing so, they capture many exotic and gorgeous styles influenced by the different cultures they trade with. Susan hopes to bring both quality and variety to Irishwomen, and we cannot argue with her aspirations in the costume jewellery field. Already she is able to boast, “Currently we have two major designers on board but I’m hoping to have another three by the end of the year. It’s important to change stock and styles on a seasonal basis.”
‘Customer-care’ is also another of Susan’s buzzwords. She knows through her own online shopping experiences that the development of trust and good relationships with apparently faceless retailers is vital. “We always make sure we respond to any queries as quickly and efficiently as possible”, she remarks. “We also encourage feedback or requests – if a customer would like to see more items of a particular design or they are looking for a very special item of jewellery, then we will try our utmost to accommodate them”.
When asked to sum up why she seems to have limitless enthusiasm for her business, Susan answers effortlessly, hardly pausing for breath. “Since an early age I have always had a passion for beautiful jewellery whether it is fashion, costume or designer. I am realising my dream of supplying beautiful jewellery to ladies everywhere at prices they can afford. It makes my job such a pleasure. Jewellery is glamorous and fun – as it should be.”
Susan x
Jewellery Shop Online is a flourishing Irish-based costume and designer jewellery store. As the name suggests, the difference here to the usual pricey High Street jewellery shops is that all their elegant goods can be viewed via the internet from the comfort of your own home. The website is highly appealing with a very professional and modern layout. The business was set up and developed by Susan Salkeld, who has a keen interest in ladies fashions. The online jewellery store is based in Dublin but delivers to all of Ireland, as well as catering for regular customers across Europe and even farther afield.
Susan explains the concept and philosophy behind her growing venture, “Having often purchased designer clothes and footwear myself from worldwide internet shops, I realised that the necessary accessories were not so readily available online. I found this odd because items such as costume jewellery and bags are not as bulky as clothing and shoes [for delivery] which now sell extremely well over the internet. After chatting with a few jewellery designers, I decided that I could provide a service to introduce and supply beautiful, modern pieces of jewellery which compliment today’s fashions.”
“At Jewellery Shop Online we want to bring variety, colour and glamour to the jewellery accessory market. There’s a real wow-factor about most of the items we offer, especially when actually seen and handled. But we also hope our affordable prices bring an extra smile when the buyer realises how much cash they’ve saved by browsing around our shop.”
Susan personally vetted high-quality suppliers from around the globe and then selected the extensive range of stunning products on display. Notable collections include:
Krystal London -Krystal are recognised as the leading designers and manufacturers of exquisite designer jewellery using only the highest grade Swarovski Crystals. They are universally renowned for their high quality pieces and attention to detail. Huge dangling chandelier earrings, crystal shower necklaces and cuffs are just some of the pieces you can view in this collection. Everything in Krystal’s display is designed by Kish Vasa who has over 20 years of experience, thus guaranteeing exceptional and unique designs.
Lola Rose – In their section, you find examples of some of the most beautiful semi-precious jewellery on offer today. You will be dazzled by creations in an array of stunning and unusual colours. Susan has called upon the services of Lola Rose’s leading modern jewellery creator, the highly-talented Nicola Gewirtz, to offer pieces which catch the eye with great effect.
The Silver Collection – For fans of silver jewellery, Susan has hand-picked a great range of desirable items which will “set off” your outfit, regardless of the occasion. From beautiful dress rings and classical necklaces to stylish cuff bangles and bracelets, Jewellery Shop Online doesn’t disappoint in silverwear accessories. The website is proud to boast that all its silver goods are hallmarked after passing the most rigorous of inspections at The Assay Office in Dublin Castle.
Rhinestone Crystal Jewellery – For that special occasion, Susan’s e-commerce shop can provide those important finishing touches to a memorable outfit; sparkling rhinestone crystal chokers, co-ordinated earring & necklace sets, tiaras, etc. Some items have been selected with weddings in mind, but the more understated designs are perfect to add class and sophistication to evening and party wear.
Jewellery Shop Online has a fabulously large selection of general designs featuring semi-precious stones which originate from all corners of the world. In some cases, the ethnic origins of the pieces come to the fore, literally in their shape, weight and highly attractive but rare colours. Other creations follow more traditional, antique styles but here the nicest surprise comes by way of their pricing which would suit anyone’s pocket even in these hard times.
Susan knows that fashion-conscious women must spend their hard earned money wisely. As she points out, “We have done thorough research regarding our jewellery pricing structure and our aim is to offer the lowest possible prices for all our jewellery lines. Our designer jewellery is on average 15% lower than anything like its equivalent in trendy department stores in Ireland. Our prices start as low as €8; in fact most of our stock cost less than €100 per item and we don’t retail anything valued over €300. We wanted to offer our customers something different that was affordable, so that we ladies can occasionally spoil ourselves without feeling guilty.”
The beauty about buying online apart from the obvious – trying to find time in our busy lives to take a day out to walk around various shops, sitting in traffic jams, parking problems, queuing at tills, etc – is that the prices are often much less than buying in the High Street shops. Susan confirms that this is mainly due to the online retailer not having to pay rent on display premises, and the saving in overheads is then passed on to the customer. Many people these days prefer to do their shopping via a convenient laptop or PC, and then have the ordered items delivered right to their front door. Susan sees no reason why shopping for good quality jewellery cannot follow this increasing trend.
Jewellery Shop Online imports its stocklist from countries all over the world. By doing so, they capture many exotic and gorgeous styles influenced by the different cultures they trade with. Susan hopes to bring both quality and variety to Irishwomen, and we cannot argue with her aspirations in the costume jewellery field. Already she is able to boast, “Currently we have two major designers on board but I’m hoping to have another three by the end of the year. It’s important to change stock and styles on a seasonal basis.”
‘Customer-care’ is also another of Susan’s buzzwords. She knows through her own online shopping experiences that the development of trust and good relationships with apparently faceless retailers is vital. “We always make sure we respond to any queries as quickly and efficiently as possible”, she remarks. “We also encourage feedback or requests – if a customer would like to see more items of a particular design or they are looking for a very special item of jewellery, then we will try our utmost to accommodate them”.
When asked to sum up why she seems to have limitless enthusiasm for her business, Susan answers effortlessly, hardly pausing for breath. “Since an early age I have always had a passion for beautiful jewellery whether it is fashion, costume or designer. I am realising my dream of supplying beautiful jewellery to ladies everywhere at prices they can afford. It makes my job such a pleasure. Jewellery is glamorous and fun – as it should be.”
Susan x
Jodhpuri Coats: Stylish Men’s Formal Wear
Hemant Jain asked:
Men often find themselves wondering what to wear on a formal occasion. A formal shirt and trouser for a wedding or a reception party often turns out to be too boring. For the man of today there could be nothing more stylish and appealing than a Jodhpuri coat. Jodhpuri suits add an indefinable elegance and sophistication along with an ethnic ever green look. Traditional men’s wear has flooded the markets across the globe. They are available in new varieties, colors and have a perfect blend of modern and contemporary. Designers from across the globe are trying their hands for bringing more options for today’s fashion conscious men. Gone are the yester years when men didn’t think and found contentment in adorning any suit.
Jodhpuri coats can be worn in a good mix and match style after consultation with your designer. Depending upon your skin color and taste you can go ahead with clichéd colors like white, off white, cream etc. Perhaps if you want something bolder and unique then you have at your disposal a wide variety of grey, black and a whole range of color palette to chose from. The coats can be altered and changed to suit you perfectly. You may also opt for some embroidery work to highlight the neck. Jodhpuri coats are generally worn with jewelery and other matching accessory. Men’s wedding accessories include buttons in gold, silver and other precious stones. They also prefer to wear a gold or silver plated watch in accordance with the color of their wedding attire.
Indian wedding sherwani which is an all time favorite for men is custom designed for them according to the taste, style and color choice. It is one of the most respectable wedding attire that even the most urbane people prefer. You can go ahead for a heavy traditional sherwani with embroidery all over giving you a majestic look on the d-day. Sherwani helps in making you looking more handsome and attractive than you already are! What more could one ask for? Designers usually prefer offering the sherwani with a typical Nehru collar followed by a buttoned up look on front. Following set patterns sherwanis are usually made long and are meant to be at least knee length if not slightly more. Sherwani looks best when accompanied by appropriate jooties and sandals.
The younger generation of today is seen in weddings all across the globe sporting designer kurta pajamas. If you are very casual and the wedding not so important then you can team your collar less kurta with something as simple as denim. This gives you a trendy indo western look. But generally kurtas are worn along with loose trouser like pants. Gone are the days when kurtas were worn only in light shades. The markets are flooded with really nice kurtas in pastels and other bolder colors for todays men. The older men still prefer to be seen at get togethers and functions in embroidered dhoti kurta. This makes them feel closer to their roots and gives them an exceptionally respectable look.
For the powerful and vibrant men nothing looks better than a pathani suit. It is very casual in appearance but as they say appearances can be deceiving! Something as simple as a pathani suit can make you stand out in the crowd like never before. Designers have experimented with pathani suits also and today you can get them in heavy embellishments and embroidered work.
Mens wear achkans, chic tuxedos, mens suits and more from India are getting world wide acclaim. Different accessories for men are also flooded in the markets today. You can browse online for thousands of designs of apparels and accessories. What you need to do is browse patiently and then you must choose the best from the rest!
Men often find themselves wondering what to wear on a formal occasion. A formal shirt and trouser for a wedding or a reception party often turns out to be too boring. For the man of today there could be nothing more stylish and appealing than a Jodhpuri coat. Jodhpuri suits add an indefinable elegance and sophistication along with an ethnic ever green look. Traditional men’s wear has flooded the markets across the globe. They are available in new varieties, colors and have a perfect blend of modern and contemporary. Designers from across the globe are trying their hands for bringing more options for today’s fashion conscious men. Gone are the yester years when men didn’t think and found contentment in adorning any suit.
Jodhpuri coats can be worn in a good mix and match style after consultation with your designer. Depending upon your skin color and taste you can go ahead with clichéd colors like white, off white, cream etc. Perhaps if you want something bolder and unique then you have at your disposal a wide variety of grey, black and a whole range of color palette to chose from. The coats can be altered and changed to suit you perfectly. You may also opt for some embroidery work to highlight the neck. Jodhpuri coats are generally worn with jewelery and other matching accessory. Men’s wedding accessories include buttons in gold, silver and other precious stones. They also prefer to wear a gold or silver plated watch in accordance with the color of their wedding attire.
Indian wedding sherwani which is an all time favorite for men is custom designed for them according to the taste, style and color choice. It is one of the most respectable wedding attire that even the most urbane people prefer. You can go ahead for a heavy traditional sherwani with embroidery all over giving you a majestic look on the d-day. Sherwani helps in making you looking more handsome and attractive than you already are! What more could one ask for? Designers usually prefer offering the sherwani with a typical Nehru collar followed by a buttoned up look on front. Following set patterns sherwanis are usually made long and are meant to be at least knee length if not slightly more. Sherwani looks best when accompanied by appropriate jooties and sandals.
The younger generation of today is seen in weddings all across the globe sporting designer kurta pajamas. If you are very casual and the wedding not so important then you can team your collar less kurta with something as simple as denim. This gives you a trendy indo western look. But generally kurtas are worn along with loose trouser like pants. Gone are the days when kurtas were worn only in light shades. The markets are flooded with really nice kurtas in pastels and other bolder colors for todays men. The older men still prefer to be seen at get togethers and functions in embroidered dhoti kurta. This makes them feel closer to their roots and gives them an exceptionally respectable look.
For the powerful and vibrant men nothing looks better than a pathani suit. It is very casual in appearance but as they say appearances can be deceiving! Something as simple as a pathani suit can make you stand out in the crowd like never before. Designers have experimented with pathani suits also and today you can get them in heavy embellishments and embroidered work.
Mens wear achkans, chic tuxedos, mens suits and more from India are getting world wide acclaim. Different accessories for men are also flooded in the markets today. You can browse online for thousands of designs of apparels and accessories. What you need to do is browse patiently and then you must choose the best from the rest!
