by Adam Clark

Created on: March 16, 2010

The number one requirement for any business growth is sales, be it for small businesses or large. Without sales there can be no business or income, for that matter. You might have the most sophisticated product in the market or the best service that money can buy, but if there is no sales involved or no customer to avail of it, then it is a total loss.


Some of the ways small businesses can sell their services are discussed below. This is inevitable for the success of the business.

# 1. Provide the service / product that the customer wants


It is vital that the customer gets what they want. No business will flourish unless a service is in demand. There is no use in selling a service that will just not sell. It is useless for a business owner to provide something unless the customer sees that he has a need for it. For example, during the winter months, customers will be on the lookout for winter-wear, heaters, skis, blankets, woolen items, etc, and not for beach balls, summer wear, gardening tools, outdoor barbecue kits, camping gear, etc. 

  
# 2. Test the market, not flood it


Many products and services are purchased from time to time according to the fancy of the customer whether he requires it or not. These are seasonal items that attract the customer from time to time and are also termed as luxury goods. It may not be within the budget of the customer, but rather, the customer might plan and save up towards it. In this case, the businessman should only introduce a limited amount of SKU’s (Stock Keeping Unit) for that product as it may move only according to the fancy of the customer. Flooding the market with it will only lead to loss for the business owner. Introduce items a little at a time to test whether the service or item will sell. At times it will take a while for the service to catch on so patience is a key element here. 


# 3. Word of mouth


Many businesses fail as they refuse to understand the customers’ needs. They refuse to bend their services to fit the need but rather leave the customer with the options of 'take it or leave it.'  The customer has to feel that the service has been 'tailor-made' for him. If he is dissatisfied with a service, it is more loss that not conducting that service to begin with.  An unhappy customer can deny you the opportunity to service other customers too.  Great deal of sales spread by word of mouth and a respected, happy customer can act as first line advertisers for your business,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>