“Do what?”, we screamed “Fork it’s tail? What kind of meanness is that?”

Sis continued right on as if there wasn’t a thing in world wrong with forking a fish’s tail. I mean if you could have seen look on her face, boy it was classic.

But you know what, it dawned on me early this morning while eating breakfast, maybe there really is something to ‘forking your fish’s tail‘. It’s a sort of a ‘branding’ technique and it could work in just about anything.

You see, a cattle farmer will do same thing with cows and bulls so he/she knows which one is theirs if they are ever lost. Plus, it’s a mark they use at stockyards for cattle that are made into beef.

“Not a bad idea”, I thought. You could use this in business too! Branding your customers! Doesn’t that sound interesting?

You see way I have it figured is, a loyal customer who purchases from you, perhaps on a regular basis, could be ‘branded’ by you as your very own special guest, which can have future benefits as well.

Imagine, and this is my crazy mind running wild, people all over world who are branded with your special branding symbol stand out above rest. Maybe something like a colored symbol or sign, or a birthmark. That way I know for sure that I have “forked my fish’s tail” in case I catch you again, and again, and again.

Make sense?

Of course we’ll establish a relationship first, and I’ll be best possible merchant I can be while providing tools needed to perhaps, run your business. Business helping business. Isn’t that what it’s all about, anyway?

God bless.

6.Questions and objections are a natural part of sales process. During your preparation compile a list of every possible question and objection that you might hear. Now spend some time creating a list of responses. Your responses should lead back to questions eliciting more information about your customer’s pain.

7.The issue of price. If first question they ask is “how much does it cost?” Don’t beat around bush, answer their question right away with a statement like, “depending on service plan you select our rates range from XX to XXX, I would like to spend a couple of minutes finding out specifically which plan is right for you.” If they are comfortable with your price range, they will continue conversation. Remember, part of qualifying is determining whether your potential customer has budget to buy from you.

BONUS TIP: By answering their question head-on you are making it clear that you are a ‘straight shooter,’ a great way to build trust!

8.Make it easy to buy from you. Has this ever happened to you? You find a great product on a website or in a store, and you are ready, willing and able to buy, only to find out a) you can’t find “purchase now” button on site, b) they need to find out if they still have item, or c) clerk is busy on phone? Depending on your mood and free time you may wait, but more than likely you leave without your purchase. Is it infinitely easy for your customers to buy your product first time? Make it even easier for them to make a repeat purchase!

9.Ask for Feedback. No matter how good at sales you become, you must keep your ‘edge.’ Ask questions to find out what you’re doing well, what your customers wish you did and why potential customers did not buy from you. Use what you learn in your preparation and goal setting process.

10.Have Fun. Running your own business should be fun. You’ve dedicated your career to something you love. Let your personality shine and make sure you find ways to include your customers and associates in your good time!

The Sales process does not have to be a dreaded part of running your business. It’s best way to watch your revenue grow. Evaluate your current process and implement any of missing tips to watch your sales success grow.