Social networking not just for the kids anymore

06/05/2009

by David Chapman

Staff Writer

The landscape of the social networking world has changed over the last several years, as it’s not just teens and tweens who populate the Facebook universe, get up-to-the-minute updates from their friends via Twitter or connect with LinkedIn.

Now, more and more business owners are using the technological tools to promote and increase their businesses, too.

“What we’re seeing is evolution,” said Steve Waterhouse, founder and CEO of professional sales consultancy Waterhouse Group. “We’ve always done it (networking) but the kids figured out the (social networking) tools ... It’s really no different than going to an after-hour social or Chamber meeting, it’s just human activities we’ve put in technology.”

Complete article

The Value Of Local Involvement

Yesterday, I spoke at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Expo. I was asked to speak on the use of Linkedin for building your business. While this was a pro-bono event, the results have been wonderful. I recommend that every business person get involved with their local chamber and see how giving results in benefits for you and your business.

Here is a link to the article and a video clip of me on the evening news.

Keep Selling!

Steve Waterhouse

waterhousegroup.com

What would you ask of a Genie?

Michael Lake asked this question on Linkedin:

You found a lamp this past weekend containing a genie who can solve ANY marketing problem for your business. But you only get ONE wish. What ONE problem relating to your marketing would you ask him to solve?

My reply is this:

What every company wishes for is a steady stream of high potential, high probability leads. With that wish granted, you can go on with the other aspects of building your sales process. We teach our clients multiple approaches to granting this wish and it often takes more than one to accomplish it. Rather than wait for the Genie, every CEO, Marketing Manager and Sales Manager should focus energy on this one issue until it is solved. Once it is, you can grow your business as large as you want.

http://www.salesleadsforever.com
http://www.waterhousegroup.com

Cold calling is 'No. 1 tool' of heavy hitters

Monday, May 25, 2009, 9:51am MDT | Modified: Monday, May 25, 2009, 9:53am

Cold calling is 'No. 1 tool' of heavy hitters

Denver Business Journal - by Dolly Penland Jacksonville (Fla.) Business Journal

James Crichlow

Bob Hawkinson uses cold calling as part of a larger sales strategy for Total Lawn Care.

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One of the most effective ways to generate new business is with good old-fashioned cold calling. So, why don"t more businesses do it?

"The No. 1 reason executives say they don't cold-call, whether going in face to face or getting on the phone and setting an appointment, is the lack of time," said Steve Goranson, owner of ActionCOACH in Jacksonville, Fla. “What that is really telling me is that going after and generating new business isn’t that important.

"Make it part of your everyday schedule. Set aside 15 minutes or 30 minutes a day to make two, five, 10 phone calls. Even the busiest person has time to do two or five phone calls a day that will generate new appointments."

Others are loath to cold-call, saying it just doesn't work.

"It absolutely works; the problem is for some, cold calling is so incredibly painful," said Steve Waterhouse, president of Predictive Results. "If you have the personality style that works well for cold calling, it's natural. If you don't, it's naturally painful.

"But cold calling definitely works," Waterhouse said. "It is the No. 1 tool used by heavy-hitter salespeople to make the contacts they need to make the big sale."

Read the entire article

How to Get Your Sales Up In a Down Market

Here is a 15 minute video to help you deal with the current selling situation.

Click to play

If we can help your company with these issues, please call me at 904-269-2299 x102.

Steve Waterhouse

President

Napoleon Hill on Our Personal Power

In these tough times, it is important to remember that we have all the power we need to turn around our personal situations. Napoleon Hill had it right. We are in control of our destinies. 

Link to video

Sunday is the key to the week

The work you do on Sunday can drive your success for the rest of the week. Here are some of the things I do that have made a world of difference for me.

Plan

1. Make a list of the next steps required for every deal that is currently in process.

2. Make a list of every meeting or time specific commitment you have for the week.

3. Make a list of the top 5 tasks that would dramatically improve your business.

Do Now

1. Send emails to all of the people you need to call suggesting a time for that call.

2. Check your calendar to make sure you have reminders set for each meeting

3. Do as many of those 5 important tasks NOW as you can. 

Market

When the items above are done and you still have time left, make a list of 10 prospects you want to reach and send letters or emails to each of them.

Bonus: Keep In Touch

Send emails to clients, friends and prospects that you have not contacted recently. Send them something of value.

Have a great week. Those who are still working hard and smart are winning in this market.

Steve Waterhouse

www.predictiveresults.com