How To Meet With Someone On Their Home Turf

Douglas Manning — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:59:20 +0000

They say a man’s home is his castle and that home is where the heart is (at least they used to say those things). Successful in-home salespeople who make their living working in other people’s homes (or castles!) eventually learn to be fairly good judges of human nature. People are usually most relaxed and at ease when in their own domiciles. Sometimes they’ll even let their hair down!

Putting a prospective customer at ease is a primary aim of a successful salesperson. Sitting comfortably in armchairs in the family room or sharing coffee at the kitchen table is a good start. A relaxed atmosphere is conducive to a lowering of ‘sales tension’.

One tactic that usually works is the sincere paying of a compliment to your host. This can actually work wonders. Seeing an attractive hand-made quilt set, for example, might be a perfect opportunity to utilize this ploy. Paying a compliment can break down sales resistance and should certainly put the prospect in a good mood. People like it when others notice their things, especially when the item is something original.

If part of your product line includes bed covers you might mention that, while the king quilt is one of your better sellers, the quality doesn’t match that of her ‘home-made’ version. You may not be able to sell this prospect a quilt, but your honesty will be noted and perhaps something else you sell will be considered. If you can make a friend you can also make a customer.

People often have pre-conceived notions regarding salesmen… Particularly the in-home variety. They may be considered as nothing more than ‘door to door peddlers out to make a fast buck’. This attitude, when met with friendliness, sincerity and honesty can disappear quickly.

For many years (in the not too distant past) in-home sales was quite common. ‘Traveling salesmen’ could be found plying everything from brushes and magazines to cookware, encyclopedias and Bibles. Today, with the explosion of multi-level marketing outfits in the marketplace, salespeople (called distributors) are once again closing sales at the kitchen table, selling in the homes of their relatives, neighbors and friends.

A new, significantly strong force directing peoples’ buying habits is the Internet. This method of purchase is easy. Convenient and can be accomplished right from home (but without the need for a visit from an in-home salesperson). Technology has caused things to come full-circle. Welcome to the new millennium!

Tips for Starting a Successful Business from Home

Douglas Manning — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:19:17 +0000

As unemployment rates continue to rise, more and more people are finding themselves without a job, or at risk of losing their jobs.

Many are seriously considering starting a business from home. A home based business can be an excellent source of extra income that can be used to pay down debt, and to fund retirement accounts; it may also need to support a family.

Legitimate work from home opportunities are plentiful, as are ‘online jobs work from home’ scams.

Doing some homework before launching any venture is crucial. Good business planning will include valid research.

Making Money at Home

The Internet has made starting a business from home easier and more affordable than ever.

In fact, more people have started successful businesses or created their own jobs from home using the Internet as their base of operations than in any other industry. Web based businesses may take on some form of internet marketing, or be a service based business such as consulting or personal and business coaching.

Perhaps one of the most common work from home jobs is that of the freelancer. There are several online, work from home opportunities that offer low or no risk start ups and money making opportunities. It is up to the individual to do the research and be sure the product or service they are using or marketing is legitimate.

Read reviews and check out the company’s Better Business Bureau rating before investing any time or money into a web based business.

Starting a Home Based Business

The biggest mistake people make when starting a business is jumping blindly into the pool.

Market research, business structure, financing and choosing the right business name are all part of the game, and as important as starting a business with real profit potential. Neglecting any one aspect can mean the difference between success and failure.

Market research will show you the money, if it is there.

Watch Out For The Learning Curve

All businesses, webs based or not, rely on marketing to attract customers and generate revenue. The Internet has redefined marketing.

Traditional advertising has been replaced with search engine optimization, anchored back links, social networking and bookmarking. Getting lost in the sea of competitors is the kiss of death.

Success greatly depends on how easy it is to find information about a business.

A working knowledge of Internet marketing is an absolute necessity.

Develop A Good Business Plan For Your Home Based Business

A well developed business plan will include research into the legitimacy of a product or service, profit potential and market analysis, as well as the development of effective Internet marketing strategies.