By: Kim Duke
I love summer! It is a wonderful time to get outside, hang out with friends and give yourself a well-earned “breather.”
However, you may be surprised by the other reason I love summer!
This is the time of year I sell 75% of my bookings for the fall. While everyone else is lying on the beach or playing golf – I am speaking with clients/potential clients about their goals for the next 6 -12 months.
Years ago I had a wizened old guy for a sales manager who told me something I have NEVER FORGOTTEN.
” Always walk into the quarter with 75% of your target already achieved and the rest is gravy.”
Don’t Fall Asleep At The Wheel of Your Business!
Selling 3 months ahead -It works! I sell my services a minimum of 3 months in advance- so when September rolls around and everyone is in FULL SCALE PANIC mode – you guessed what I am doing – selling for January!
Take a look at your business so far this year. Evaluation should NOT just happen once the year is over. Ask yourself these questions:
1) Is my marketing working? How am I tracking it?
2) What goals are being achieved? Which ones aren’t happening?
3) What new goals do I need to set for the next 3-6 months?
4) What needs to go?
Have A Siesta and Dream About Your Business At The Same Time!
As summer is the time of year for reflection and relaxation – make it work to your advantage! When you are having fun – you are open to inspiration. I get the best ideas when I am walking my dog, hanging out in nature and letting my mind ROLLLLLLL around abit.
Then I put my ideas into action – so you had better STAY TUNED on what is coming your way this FALL from The Sales Diva!
Your Diva Dare? Sell 3 months ahead – and start the process of thinking proactively with sales instead of “reacting” to market conditions. Create your OWN conditions instead!
Copyright© 2006 Kim Duke, The Sales Diva, provides savvy, sassy sales training for women small biz owners and entrepreneurs. Kim works with clients internationally, showing them The Sales Diva secrets to success! Sign up for her saucy and smart FREE e-zine and receive her FREE Bonus Report “The 5 Biggest Sales Mistakes Women Make” at http://www.salesdivas.com