Archive for August, 2011

Your Biggest Asset – Customer Success Stories!

August 31st, 2011

It seems obvious. Your customers are one of your company’s biggest assets. Everyone knows that. And, by the same logic your customer success stories should be your biggest sales and marketing asset. Yet, so many companies do not have case studies to support their sales and marketing efforts.

Customer case studies are one of the most versatile tools you can develop. They can be used in press releases, marketing material packets, and on your website-not to mention they add a great deal of credibility during the sales process. In fact, customer success stories are your best sales objection killer!

I recommend you create a customer case study for every market you target, every product/service you offer, and every common sales objection you face. Keep them to one page with a 2 paragraph version you can use in email and proposals. Each success story should include:

Tell a Compelling Story to Increase Sales

August 29th, 2011

Many small businesses have stories to share, yet they rely on the words of some copy or marketing expert. Stories are great marketing and selling strategies because everyone wants to hear someone tell a compelling story.

For example, a new business and sales coaching client is in food manufacturing industry. This business is over 60 years old and has experienced 3 moves from Chicago, IL to Gary, IN to Michigan City, IN. The business was started during World War II and its products went into K-Rations. In fact, there is a letter hanging on the office wall from a General thanking the business for their services during WWII.

Initially this business had more than 25 employees. When new owners bought the business from the founding owners, a strategic decision was to relocate and reduce the number of employees. Now with the third set of owners, the strategic direction is focused on expansion of both facilities and employees.

» Read more: Tell a Compelling Story to Increase Sales