Best Practices in Lead Capture for Sales Force Automation and CRM Systems
Manually entering contact information into a CRM or SFA system is a tedious and distracting task to busy sales professionals. Focused on that month's quota and existing deals in the pipeline, crucial contact information is often entered inaccurately or not entered at all. That partial or missing contact could have contributed to a future sale or marketing effort - but, as is, the potential is wasted.
Discover how eGrabber's contact capture technology eliminates lost leads and establishes a strong, complete understanding of your prospects from the start. By automatically recognizing and reading the contact information on Web pages, online directories, in e-mail signatures, documents, spreadsheets and so on , this technology eliminates manual data entry -- including line-by-line cut and paste.
To learn more about the product visit http://www.egrabber.com/listgrabberstandard/index.html
Download a free trial of the product at http://www.egrabber.com/listgrabberstandard/trial.htm
Secrets to Copywriting Testing: How to Substantially Increase Your Marketing Results
In his famous book, Secrets of Successful Direct Mail, Dick Benson states, "Any test idea a business honestly believes can economically increase response is worth testing." And he's absolutely right about this copywriting secret.
So, let's break this proven advice down to bite size pieces that can help testing really pay off big for any business.
"Any test idea a business honestly believes …"
Too many good ideas get trashed before they are barely presented. Usually it's because the company president hates it, or the marketing director doesn't buy it, or someone's wife thought it was weird, or for another reason.
But if someone has a test idea that they honestly believe will be successful … and can justify why … test it no matter what anyone thinks.
Think about it: How many tests were conducted where everyone thought it would be gangbusters, but it flopped? That's why we TEST! We really DO NOT KNOW how our prospects and customers will react in many cases.
So, if we can't predict a good idea before we test, what makes us think we can predict a bad idea in advance? You never know for sure until you test.
"… can economically …"
It's incredible to see some of the direct mail packages that win various awards. And usually what a copywriting pro thinks is this, "Wow, is that impressive … and EXPENSIVE!"
It would be nice to send every prospect something like a gold-leaf box containing a personally autographed dvd and a 24" x 36" fold-out brochure on glossy stock … but that's the fastest way out of business unless selling jumbo jets or something else very expensive.
Bottom line: no matter how excited anyone gets about possible test ideas, do the math first. A couple of times.
"… increase response …"
This snippet, I would respectfully preface with the word "SIGNIFICANTLY."
For example, the boss may be right when he/she says that blue is better than green. But does anyone really think a SIGNIFICANT number of people will go from being a "prospect" to a "buying customer" simply by changing from blue to green?
This may sound silly, but lots of time, energy and money has been wasted on tests just as unlikely to make a difference that could impact the bottom line in a significant way.
Bottom line: if the idea is unlikely to have a significant impact, (say 20% to 25% or more) find something else to test that will.
"… is worth testing."
If it meets all these criteria, make sure it gets tested! Never stop looking for things that can have a significant impact on the bottom line, and never stop testing them.
To that end, here are the top 5 test suggestions for copywriting that can economically and significantly increase response and profits.
1. Test the big things – list, headline, offer, formats and copy – to get big results.
This is self-explanatory. Don't test little things that can only make small improvements until you've tested the big things.
2. Constantly test new headlines.
Thousands of tests have confirmed that changing nothing but a headline can increase response by up to 400% or more! These are numbers to get excited by! That's the only reason you should need for constantly testing new headlines.
3. Constantly test for new mailing lists.
Almost nothing can impact your results more significantly than finding a great new mailing list. A mediocre package can work great to a great list, but even a killer package won't work to a bad list.
Also, after finding a new winning copywriting package, go back and look for borderline lists from previous mailings with the old copy to retest the improved new copywriting.
For example, if the new copy beat the old copy by 30%, lists that fell short by 25% with the old copy might now work with the new copy.
4. Test new offers … or the existing offer presented in a different way.
Buy one, get one free? 50% off? Save 50%? They're all the same, right? To us, maybe. But not to customers. Test different offers.
5. Test new copy and graphics for the outer envelope.
Envelope copywriting tests can be the most economical tests, yet can provide a significant boost to help keep a control "fresh." Things to consider testing are envelope size, copy and overall graphic theme.
Consider these proven test ideas to give the promotion a boost:
1) Convert your regular envelope package to a "magalog," and vice-versa
2) Use action devices like stickers
3) Test a new headline
4) Try a "Club" approach -- maybe with a monthly shipment
5) Free trial offer
6) More/better customer testimonials
7) Totally new theme
8) Personalized letters/inserts
9) "Official" looking copy and graphics
STRATEGIES FOR LEADINGA SALESFORCE
Strategies for Leading a Salesforce
You must take the responsibility of being the facilitator of learning. Sales people do expect you to be able coach and train on facts and skills. To be effective, you must understand your situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Are the people I train competitive?
2) Are their goals clarified?
3) Have you developed training scenarios to meet their needs?
Allow for individual differences. Your sales force is a diverse group of individuals. Offer individual coaching time taking into consideration their differing backgrounds. Recognize their particular learning styles. Consider the following:
1) Imaginative learners will expect knowledge from which they can build. They will care about you and their fellow's sales force members.
2) Analytical Learners are more interested in theory and what the experts believe. They need data and details and are uncomfortable with subjective theory. They will expect their peers to seek knowledge.
3) Common Sense Learners are problem solvers and are typically skilled orientated. They will test your theories and look for practical applications. They tend not to do well in team situations.
4) Dynamic Learners believe in self discovery. They are risk takers and are at ease with people. They will respond if you regularly try new things.
Use different activities when training your sales force. It is recommended to change your activities every 20 minutes to keep issues fresh. Try new ideas and provide for flexibility. All people loose focus eventually. A constant rotation of ideas and change of topics will keep their concentration fresh.
Develop a supportive climate. Your sales force should understand that you are there to support them while they are earning the sales process. They should be made to understand that you have a stake in their success. That it does matter to you that they are successful.
Be sensitive to barriers. Some of the "baggage" sale force members bring with them can be:
1) Time restraints.
2) Outside commitments.
3) Their educational experience did not prepare them for independent sales.
4) They may have learning handicaps.
5) Stress.
6) More comfortable with a different style of training.
As a result, you need to be a learning partner. Create a common strategy for their training that will provide them the greatest options for success. Emphasize that they will need to try new sales techniques. Encourage and support mistakes as a valuable coaching tool. This is just as important as reaching the correct methods immediately.
Use technology to enhance learning. It is important that you take the lead in infusing technology into all sales activities. This will make them more comfortable and efficient. Be alert to changing dynamics in your field. Today we must consider cultural changes as well as economic changes.
For more coaching tips, go to www.YourTupperwareOnline.com. You will be able to read success stories from successful people who used our coaching. Sign up for our free Ezine and receive valuable coaching tips including our next article featuring success using an accountability coach.
Are you a frustrated Entrepreneur?
Start the RIGHT home-based Business
Flexible, Profitable & Lifetime Compensation!
Learn the proven tips, techniques and strategies
Click here=>http://www.YourTupperwareOnline.com
==========================================
**Attn Ezine Editors/Site Owners
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety
In your Ezine or on your site so long as you leave
All links in place, do not modify the content and
Include our resource box as listed above.
Discover how eGrabber's contact capture technology eliminates lost leads and establishes a strong, complete understanding of your prospects from the start. By automatically recognizing and reading the contact information on Web pages, online directories, in e-mail signatures, documents, spreadsheets and so on , this technology eliminates manual data entry -- including line-by-line cut and paste.
To learn more about the product visit http://www.egrabber.com/listgrabberstandard/index.html
Download a free trial of the product at http://www.egrabber.com/listgrabberstandard/trial.htm
Secrets to Copywriting Testing: How to Substantially Increase Your Marketing Results
In his famous book, Secrets of Successful Direct Mail, Dick Benson states, "Any test idea a business honestly believes can economically increase response is worth testing." And he's absolutely right about this copywriting secret.
So, let's break this proven advice down to bite size pieces that can help testing really pay off big for any business.
"Any test idea a business honestly believes …"
Too many good ideas get trashed before they are barely presented. Usually it's because the company president hates it, or the marketing director doesn't buy it, or someone's wife thought it was weird, or for another reason.
But if someone has a test idea that they honestly believe will be successful … and can justify why … test it no matter what anyone thinks.
Think about it: How many tests were conducted where everyone thought it would be gangbusters, but it flopped? That's why we TEST! We really DO NOT KNOW how our prospects and customers will react in many cases.
So, if we can't predict a good idea before we test, what makes us think we can predict a bad idea in advance? You never know for sure until you test.
"… can economically …"
It's incredible to see some of the direct mail packages that win various awards. And usually what a copywriting pro thinks is this, "Wow, is that impressive … and EXPENSIVE!"
It would be nice to send every prospect something like a gold-leaf box containing a personally autographed dvd and a 24" x 36" fold-out brochure on glossy stock … but that's the fastest way out of business unless selling jumbo jets or something else very expensive.
Bottom line: no matter how excited anyone gets about possible test ideas, do the math first. A couple of times.
"… increase response …"
This snippet, I would respectfully preface with the word "SIGNIFICANTLY."
For example, the boss may be right when he/she says that blue is better than green. But does anyone really think a SIGNIFICANT number of people will go from being a "prospect" to a "buying customer" simply by changing from blue to green?
This may sound silly, but lots of time, energy and money has been wasted on tests just as unlikely to make a difference that could impact the bottom line in a significant way.
Bottom line: if the idea is unlikely to have a significant impact, (say 20% to 25% or more) find something else to test that will.
"… is worth testing."
If it meets all these criteria, make sure it gets tested! Never stop looking for things that can have a significant impact on the bottom line, and never stop testing them.
To that end, here are the top 5 test suggestions for copywriting that can economically and significantly increase response and profits.
1. Test the big things – list, headline, offer, formats and copy – to get big results.
This is self-explanatory. Don't test little things that can only make small improvements until you've tested the big things.
2. Constantly test new headlines.
Thousands of tests have confirmed that changing nothing but a headline can increase response by up to 400% or more! These are numbers to get excited by! That's the only reason you should need for constantly testing new headlines.
3. Constantly test for new mailing lists.
Almost nothing can impact your results more significantly than finding a great new mailing list. A mediocre package can work great to a great list, but even a killer package won't work to a bad list.
Also, after finding a new winning copywriting package, go back and look for borderline lists from previous mailings with the old copy to retest the improved new copywriting.
For example, if the new copy beat the old copy by 30%, lists that fell short by 25% with the old copy might now work with the new copy.
4. Test new offers … or the existing offer presented in a different way.
Buy one, get one free? 50% off? Save 50%? They're all the same, right? To us, maybe. But not to customers. Test different offers.
5. Test new copy and graphics for the outer envelope.
Envelope copywriting tests can be the most economical tests, yet can provide a significant boost to help keep a control "fresh." Things to consider testing are envelope size, copy and overall graphic theme.
Consider these proven test ideas to give the promotion a boost:
1) Convert your regular envelope package to a "magalog," and vice-versa
2) Use action devices like stickers
3) Test a new headline
4) Try a "Club" approach -- maybe with a monthly shipment
5) Free trial offer
6) More/better customer testimonials
7) Totally new theme
8) Personalized letters/inserts
9) "Official" looking copy and graphics
STRATEGIES FOR LEADINGA SALESFORCE
Strategies for Leading a Salesforce
You must take the responsibility of being the facilitator of learning. Sales people do expect you to be able coach and train on facts and skills. To be effective, you must understand your situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Are the people I train competitive?
2) Are their goals clarified?
3) Have you developed training scenarios to meet their needs?
Allow for individual differences. Your sales force is a diverse group of individuals. Offer individual coaching time taking into consideration their differing backgrounds. Recognize their particular learning styles. Consider the following:
1) Imaginative learners will expect knowledge from which they can build. They will care about you and their fellow's sales force members.
2) Analytical Learners are more interested in theory and what the experts believe. They need data and details and are uncomfortable with subjective theory. They will expect their peers to seek knowledge.
3) Common Sense Learners are problem solvers and are typically skilled orientated. They will test your theories and look for practical applications. They tend not to do well in team situations.
4) Dynamic Learners believe in self discovery. They are risk takers and are at ease with people. They will respond if you regularly try new things.
Use different activities when training your sales force. It is recommended to change your activities every 20 minutes to keep issues fresh. Try new ideas and provide for flexibility. All people loose focus eventually. A constant rotation of ideas and change of topics will keep their concentration fresh.
Develop a supportive climate. Your sales force should understand that you are there to support them while they are earning the sales process. They should be made to understand that you have a stake in their success. That it does matter to you that they are successful.
Be sensitive to barriers. Some of the "baggage" sale force members bring with them can be:
1) Time restraints.
2) Outside commitments.
3) Their educational experience did not prepare them for independent sales.
4) They may have learning handicaps.
5) Stress.
6) More comfortable with a different style of training.
As a result, you need to be a learning partner. Create a common strategy for their training that will provide them the greatest options for success. Emphasize that they will need to try new sales techniques. Encourage and support mistakes as a valuable coaching tool. This is just as important as reaching the correct methods immediately.
Use technology to enhance learning. It is important that you take the lead in infusing technology into all sales activities. This will make them more comfortable and efficient. Be alert to changing dynamics in your field. Today we must consider cultural changes as well as economic changes.
For more coaching tips, go to www.YourTupperwareOnline.com. You will be able to read success stories from successful people who used our coaching. Sign up for our free Ezine and receive valuable coaching tips including our next article featuring success using an accountability coach.
Are you a frustrated Entrepreneur?
Start the RIGHT home-based Business
Flexible, Profitable & Lifetime Compensation!
Learn the proven tips, techniques and strategies
Click here=>http://www.YourTupperwareOnline.com
==========================================
**Attn Ezine Editors/Site Owners
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety
In your Ezine or on your site so long as you leave
All links in place, do not modify the content and
Include our resource box as listed above.
