Archive for the ‘sales’ Category

As an event professional, you know that in the middle of the event, when things go wrong, you put on your “Game Face” so your clients don’t know something is awry.
What about during your sales consultation? Do you have a game face when your potential client starts to ask challenging questions? Negotiate your prices? Drilling you with “what if” questions? Being just plain difficult?
Let your palms get clammy, but keep a cool and calm look on your face at all times. Never let ‘em see you sweat.
A huge enigma for our industry, do we publish our prices on our website?
For many of us the conundrum is three-fold.
Here’s the problem. As a buyer of services, I like to know what the price range is, in fact it is very frustrating not to be able to see that information. Imagine searching for houses online and not having ONE PRICE under the listing. How long would you stay on that site?
Also, clients have told vendors on “bride panels” that they want to see AT LEAST starting prices on vendor’s websites.
Let’s discuss each point above individually.
One: Pricing is a pre-qualifier for potential clients. No use in calling you Mr. Photographer if your services start at $2,500 and the bride’s ENTIRE wedding budget is $5,000. Would you even want to field that call? Heck no, waste of your time and hers.
I have “starting” pricing on my website under services. If the phones aren’t ringing, sometimes I remove it. I play around with it all the time. However, with web inquiries I will always send something out to them before I make a phone call that gives a description of our company and where our pricing starts (as we give custom proposals).
If you feel that you need to explain your packages, then your packages may be too complicated. Keep it simple.
Two: If you have ever done a bridal show, or given out a proposal, or told another vendor your pricing/services or fielded an anonymous call asking about your pricing … then your competition probably knows what you are charging.
Again, why care?
Three: Your peers are always going to talk about you. That’s what we do, especially in this industry. Forget about it. Remember we are not going to fret about what our peers charge, anymore!
Video series on quick and dirty sales tips. I tried using my iPhone 4 …. not bad quality but not as good as the other camera.
This tip: Sources for getting more referrals.
This may just be a girl thing, so please indulge me a moment, gentlemen blog readers.
You know the feeling you get when you wait for your friend to arrive for a lunch date? You can’t wait to see her and dive into catching up and participate in the sheer joy of talking and sharing information.
Think of that feeling, that really is what “selling” is all about.
It’s that simple. Selling a client isn’t talking them into something they don’t want or railroading them into choosing your services over your competitor.
Selling is sitting down, talking and SHARING information, back and forth. A talented sales person will have the ability to allow their potential client to instantly feel relaxed, comfortable, secure. Trust is a HUGE factor when clients make a decision to purchase. If done right, trust can be gained during this “conversation” time.
photo: Raspberry RabbitI talk/chat/tweet up event professionals across the world … and hear the (get real) scoop on what is going on with their business.
Wish I could report that everything is puppies and rainbows, but it is still tough out there. Phones are too quiet. Websites are collecting cobwebs. Many of us are working, but struggling as rising personal/business expenses meet reduced revenue.
More clients are booking their vendors at the last possible moment. Which means a higher anxiety for us professionals.
I don’t have the magic answer. I wish I did. Just know that you are not alone.
Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
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