Common-sense sales & marketing: What works?

Covering a wide range of topics find fresh ways to approach and apply your sales and marketing. Posts reference: meetings; pitching; networking; dealing with people; closing; planning and strategy; research; ideas; branding; targeting; pricing; product development; distribution; marketing promotions; export and more.

Figuring out pricing
Avoid guesswork when figuring out pricing Many start-ups wrongly copy the hitchhiker when it comes to figuring out pricing. An outstretched thumb works by the road, but a finger in the air almost always plucks financially flawed figures. Pricing products or services (especially the first time) isn't easy, but considered calculation based on some key principles can make all the difference between business success and failure... Read More

Playing the Business Dating Game
Playing the business dating game requires excellent communication skills This article may be about playing the business dating game, but it is accompanied by a warning: Networking is a very important activity for people running start-up businesses, but it can kill you..! Read More

How the entrepreneur can read minds
Find out how the entrepreneur can read minds Developing an insight into the behaviour of others is a powerful advantage in entrepreneurial life. Some find building relationships easier than others. But regardless of your ability, understanding how the entrepreneur can read minds requires practice and some understanding of behavioural theory... Read More

Rugby Legend Stops for Hitchhiker
We gather critical information in the first 7 seconds The car stops. You open the vehicle’s passenger door and eye the driver. In those first 7 seconds you’re tuning into one thing… A short conversation ensues about direction and destination. But the verbal exchange masks the important stuff. Because… Read More

Startup businesses must focus
Startup businesses must focus Startup businesses must focus in order to succeed. From an early point in my self-employment journey I regularly used these 4 questions to help my venture stay on track. Where have I come from? Where am I now? Where do I want to go? How do I get there? Read More

Achieving business competitive advantage
Watford Gap Service Station on the M1 is the only place where I have encountered real competition for a lift. Hitchhiking north from London one sunny Sunday afternoon, I was dropped off at the services only to find myself staring at a long queue of hitchhikers all desperate to travel my way. Buggar! Read More

Succeed with a Market Focused Strategy
Succeed with a market focused strategy Businesses that have learnt how to succeed with a market focused strategy are far more likely to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, far too many small businesses adopt a product focused strategy and fail to understand the market(s) being served. Market Research is considered a distraction rather than the guiding light. And this is a key reason why so many businesses fail early... Read More