Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Mishaps Require this Smart Strategy
By now we each know that positive thinking thoughts play an important part in our success. But professional salespeople also recognize the need for backup plans for when the unfortunate mishap occurs. They do occur.
Timeliness is a professional sport that requires effective strategy.
My Story
It didn’t take long for me to realize that delivery timing would encounter problems in corporate sales. I was very uncomfortable the first time I had to announce a delay in arrival that was promised by a certain date. Once was more than enough!
Backup Plan
Future meetings with prospective clients had me asking about their expected delivery timeframe before asking for authorization on the paperwork. For me, delivery is a part of the negotiation before finalizing the sale. The backup plan became to build in an extra week to ten days of time.
For example, in rainy weather delivery is likely to take longer. And on sunny days, trucks are known to run over nails on the road. You get the picture.
My rule became to settle on a date first, and then ask the client to authorize the contract.
Mirroring My Plan
Today, a power outage occurred in my building. I called the power company for an estimate of repair time, and to figure out a revised plan for the day. Although not happy to hear, power was expected to be restored by the end of the day.
I enjoyed coffee and a croissant for breakfast at a nearby café. For some reason, I decided to return home. To my delight, the power was back in full operation. Laughter hit recalling I always provided the worst case scenario too.
The reason for providing the worst case is to diminish disappointment in the long run and maintain credibility. Like me, clients are happy when the end goal is achieved earlier than expected.
Your Story
Is being late on delivery something you want to face down the road, or have you already? Consider steps for avoiding delays in the future.
The reasons for creating a backup plan include:
- Delivering on time improves credibility and trust
- Timeliness enhances the client experience
- Living up to your word encourages a returning and referring clientele
On occasion, an emergency will arise for which we are helpless. Most people forgive these types of incidents. But for everyday deliveries, punctuality is essential for maintaining trust and client loyalty.
Given we are nearing year-end, it’s an excellent time to have a meeting with your team or just yourself to reconsider all of the practices in place today, particularly those affecting customer service. Give thought to letting some practices go and replace them with newer ideas. Flexibility enables the entrepreneurial spirit to continue to thrive.
Those who wish to advance their career will do well to examine practices regarding your job search, interviews, and subsequent meetings. Review what took place the past several months for anything that might be tweaked moving forward.
Sales Tips:
- Create a backup plan for intended delivery.
- Gain agreement on the best date for delivery.
- Ask for a formal agreement.
- Do everything possible to deliver early or on time.
- Alert clients if delivery might take place ahead of schedule.
- Should schedules conflict, work out the best time for the client.
- At the end of the expected day of delivery, check in to be certain everything was received.
- Check in within a week that everything is functioning as promised.
- Gain agreement from the client that they are completely satisfied.
- Celebrate success!
For More Insights: Visit Elinor’s Amazon Author Page
“Communicate to Attract Interest”
As the CEO of Smooth Sale, after her near-death experience, Stutz adapted the motto, “Believe, Become, Empower.”Nice Girls DO Get the Sale is an International Best-Selling and is Evergreen – among the classics; HIRED! Helped many to secure the job they desired.
Today’s insights are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!
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