Many Small Businesses are looking to increase sales this year by expanding or upgrading an Inside Sales Program. In this article we outline the Top Five business-to-business strategies for implementing fast-selling Inside Sales Teams in a company.
There are many factors that determine which strategy is best for your organization. Although Social Networking and Marketing are very Hot Topics this year, you still need a fast-moving, high quality sales team to grow a small businesses. The common benefits of adding or expanding inside sales programs include:
Shifting more experienced (and more expensive) Field Sales Reps to Higher-End Sales Opportunities
Reducing the Cost of overall Sales Resources
Establishing Sales Coverage around the US and World
Responding to Sales Inquiries Faster
Building a Sales Infrastructure that is flexible and can continue to quickly Grow Sales
Note: For this article we define Inside Sales Reps as staff with “Sales” Skills and Training. Reps that only focus on Social Marketing, Lead Qualification, Lead Generation and Demand Generation are NOT addressed in this article.
Top 10 Small Business Tech Trends
that will make you money in 2013
In 2013, there is a much larger opportunity than in the last few years for non-technology oriented Small Businesses to implement the latest technology. All of them will help you increase your sales and/or reduce your costs. In addition, technology prices have dropped like a rock and they are so much easier to use (and learn) than ever before. This article was written for the non-technical owner or manager of a Home or Small Business.
Microsoft has significantly changed the Windows 8 and Office user interface. Your employees are going to have to re-learn how to use Office Applications after you upgrade your PCs and Laptops. Here are a few key tips to help evaluate this upgrade for your Small Business.
Small Business “Windows 8″ Planning Tips:
1. Read the Walt Mossberg article (see link below) on Windows 8 before you spend any money
2. Increase (or establish) a budget for employee Office Software training
3. Line-up extra help for your staff, including: phone and one-to-one coaching
4. Make sure your existing software will work with Windows 8
5. Identify and Implement any business process changes
6. Re-write any office manuals
7. Confirm who in IT Support actually knows anything about Windows 8. It’s new to everyone….
8. Check that all your existing PC & Laptop accessories will work
9. Budget lots of extra money to deal with the unknown
10. You may want to wait for the rest of the industry to come up to speed before you invest in this upgrade.
The bottom-line is that your Small Business Staff & Information Technology Resource “Productivity will likely go down” and your “PC Costs will go up” by implementing Windows 8 this year.
Hope these tips help….
Note: It’s important for a Small Business Owner to read the Mossberg review below before you upgrade or buy a new Windows PC.
“Microsoft is giving Windows its most radical overhaul since 1995 and even its most devoted users won’t recognize the venerable computer operating system in this new incarnation, called Windows 8, when it appears Oct. 26.” Walt Mossberg
About 9 months ago, I needed to replace one of my older laptops. Instead, I bought an Apple iPad, an iPad case and a Bluetooth Keyboard. So far, I do NOT miss the laptop…and at this time, do NOT plan on buying another one again!
I’ve researched and tested over 100 iPad Apps so far. The following are my favorite Apps that help me get my job done in 18 key areas of our Small Business. Please don’t get overwhelmed by all the application (app) options. Start with a few apps that you need every day and then add the others over time. You’re in for a real treat. Using an ipad is like no other PC, Mac or Laptop you have ever used. The iPad is much easier to use and a lot more fun.
Are you starting to think about planning for next year? Do you have any feel for the top cost-effective new technology that will boost your company sales and productivity?
During the fourth quarter, we asked Small Business Executives, Managers or Owners to share the Top 3-4 NEW Technologies that they were thinking about implementing in 2012. Based on the survey, the following are the top 4 technologies for 2012:
Upgrading the Company Website with the Latest Technology
Implementing Smartphones and Tablets
Testing and Implementing Social Marketing
Adding Video Content for the Website including: Customer Demos, New Product Announcements, Success Stories and Best Practice Tips
Note: The votes were anonymous and we do NOT collecting any personal info. All poll results are available now.
Please share the poll results with other managers or owners… and add any comments or questions in the comment field below.
Question: Should I buy iPad Tablets for my Small Business? …or another manufacturer’s Tablets?
Answer: This is an easy answer – YES!. For now, you should buy an iPad Tablet! In 2011, 85-90% of all Tablets sold are Apple iPads. They own the market.
