| People love to talk; and they talk about everything, | | | | favorite charity. The people you meet will share your |
| including YOU! Every interaction with every person you | | | | passions, and you'll easily connect with them on a |
| meet not only affects your relationship with the people | | | | personal level. It's important to know that building a |
| you encounter, but even with those who only hear | | | | good reputation in these circumstances does NOT |
| about you. Your reputation is the most powerful | | | | mean that you should be selling anything. The goal is to |
| marketing tool you have. When a great reputation | | | | meet new people and make more friends. When you |
| precedes you, it speaks volumes about the value of | | | | distinguish yourself in common situations, people will |
| your business and immediately distinguishes you from | | | | remember you. Of course, developing relationships with |
| the competition. It also helps you create instant rapport | | | | those in your community is only half of it. |
| with future customers; you don't have to convince | | | | The impressions you leave on those you encounter |
| new customers what a great salesperson you are if | | | | professionally also play a key role in building a great |
| their best friend already has. | | | | reputation. The easiest place to start is with your |
| The best way to get a great reputation is to take | | | | existing customers; they already trust you with their |
| advantage of the many opportunities that surround | | | | business. Take it one step further -- giving them |
| you each day. Learn how to make friendships with | | | | exceptional service and personal attention may |
| everyone you meet, regardless of the situation. This is | | | | convince them to say great things about you to others. |
| the key for a great reputation and an effective sales | | | | DON'T underestimate the potential of a situation that |
| approach. Think of all the people you have the | | | | doesn't lead to an immediate sale. Many salespeople |
| opportunity to meet every day. Take advantage of | | | | "cut bait" when they realize a person can't switch |
| those opportunities! Meeting people and developing | | | | suppliers or can't afford the product at the present |
| new friendships is a remarkable way to build a strong | | | | time. If they can't switch suppliers, help them get the |
| reputation and attract new customers. Think of all the | | | | most out of their current situation. If they can't afford |
| easy, fun things you can do to spend time with more | | | | your product, help them find the best product for their |
| people and create a lasting impression: | | | | money. |
| 1. Eat breakfast and lunch with existing customers, | | | | Take the time and make the effort to do what others |
| prospects, or BOTH! You need to eat anyways; make | | | | in your field would NEVER do. We all do things for our |
| the most of it! | | | | friends that we're not necessarily compensated for. |
| 2. Get to know the parents at your kid's sporting or | | | | Do the same for your customers; it's the easiest way |
| school events. It's an easy way to build instant rapport. | | | | to create bonds that pay off in the long run. People do |
| 3. Join a fitness center. Using traditional methods, it can | | | | business with friends, and always refer them to others. |
| be nearly impossible to schedule an appointment with a | | | | Developing professional and personal friendships with |
| key decision maker; so strike up an interesting | | | | the people you meet every day is the most effective |
| conversation with them in the locker room. | | | | way to build a strong reputation and the easiest way |
| 4. Take an active role in your place of worship or | | | | to increase your sales opportunities. |