N: B: Before I commence with the topic mentioned above, let me just clear the grounds on the issue of marketing and selling being used interchangeably. Selling is quite different from marketing, which means that marketers are not necessarily sales reps.
Most sales persons see themselves as marketers and it is not basically their faults because recruiting agencies and some organizations help to further perpetrate the misconception by calling them marketers when they are actually sales persons. That is why I also refer to sales persons as marketers in my article so I can be able to connect with my audience. But the truth is that marketing and selling are not the same, although selling is an integral part of marketing. However, for the purpose of my audience, permit me to use marketing in place of selling cos that is the language we all understand in our labour market.
Now, I promised to share unconventional marketing rules that will help job seekers, understand how to sell, make money and enjoy selling (marketing). Let’s roll!
Sell what you love
Make sure you love what you are getting on board to sell. If you take up a marketing job just to keep busy while looking for a better job, u will end up wasting your time. Passion is a key word in marketing and you can’t have passion for what you don’t love. Personally, I don’t love insurance, so I will have a difficult time selling it. But some dudes are also making it big time in insurance because they love it and it is paying off. There are so many products and services to be sold. Look for the one you love and give it your best shot.
Product knowledge
A broad knowledge of your product is vital to effective selling. Research about the product, find out the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) concerning your product. This will help you master the product at your fingertips. Also, take it a step further by carrying out a research on competing products and services. You must know the advantage they have over yours and the advantage your product has over theirs. That way when you meet with a prospective client, you put your best foot forward by emphasizing on your advantage (USP).
Define your market
Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and one of the largest in the world. However, it is not everything that will sell in Nigeria. Before you get on board to sell any product, do a personal study of the market and figure out if there is a need for it. Define the market segment and also see how readily available the market is. Is it a product for the Elite class, or low income persons, men or women, kids, youths or adults? Define your market. That something is selling in Lagos does not mean it will sell in Enugu.
Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and one of the largest in the world. However, it is not everything that will sell in Nigeria. Before you get on board to sell any product, do a personal study of the market and figure out if there is a need for it. Define the market segment and also see how readily available the market is. Is it a product for the Elite class, or low income persons, men or women, kids, youths or adults? Define your market. That something is selling in Lagos does not mean it will sell in Enugu.
Draw up a list of prospective buyers
Marketing is a field job, yes I concur. But don’t be in a hurry to hit the field without a clear direction and plan. Stay at home or in the office and draw up a list of your prospective buyers. The prospects on the list should be up to 100 at least. Also, include at five high profile prospective clients. Those ones that will give you a major breakthrough if you succeed in selling to one of them. Source for the contacts and phone numbers of the prospects either through google map, v connect, their website or ask for it.
Develop a sales script
Develop a powerful sales script that will guide your discussion with a prospect. The sales script must cover greeting, personal introduction, product introduction, request for a meeting, and some other things. Some sales consultants can help you develop one if you can’t do it yourself. But it is something you can do.
Develop a powerful sales script that will guide your discussion with a prospect. The sales script must cover greeting, personal introduction, product introduction, request for a meeting, and some other things. Some sales consultants can help you develop one if you can’t do it yourself. But it is something you can do.
Call and arrange a meeting[b][/b]
I have said before that marketing is not all about getting yourself engrossed in activity and dissipating energy. That is why some persons complain about the stress. It’s funny how people just dress up from their homes and start wondering the streets of Lagos aimlessly in the name of marketing. That is not professional. Sit down and call ten prospects in a day to arrange for a meeting. Out of the ten, three persons will grant you an appointment. That way, you can plan your movement and schedules effectively.
This will help you conserve energy and cut down on aimless transportation cost.
Let’s stop here at the moment. I will complete this article on Monday. Let me not bore you with long stories cos I really want us to understand everything.
Have a great day
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