| Volume 2 Issue 50 |
December 16, 2008 |
Sales Strategies
Sales strategies are more critical now than ever, and can take many different forms. This issue of WhatWorks for Business covers five key areas that can lead to more sales. Our how-to guides this week will show you how to get your products listed in major catalogs, put on a successful sale at your business, manage your leads more efficiently, find a good sales consultant and sharpen your sales presentations with the right software and add-ons.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Look for the next issue of WhatWorks for Business on January 6 after a break for the holidays. See you then!

Catalog Crazy
Selling Your Products in Catalogs
By Matt Alderton
When it comes to putting great ideas on paper — and innovative products in customers' hands — few things are as effective as mail-order marketing. Catalog companies represent a $75 billion market, and enterprising small business owners are ideally positioned to win a piece of it. The keys to successful catalog sales are:
Read Full Guide
Selling on Sale
The Right Way to Hold a Sale
By Jenni Simcoe
Holding a sale is often a retailer’s biggest headache, but can also be the relief needed for a slump in sales. The logistics of a sale —- hiring extra manpower, getting the word out about the sale and figuring out when to hold it and for how long -- may seem overwhelming. But the rewards are worth it. Here's how to do it right:
Read Full Guide
Leveraging Leads
Guide to Managing Your Leads
By Tara McClendon
In the past, the cost of sales lead management technology kept the system in the hands of big companies that could afford it. Today the variety of tools for tracking sales leads allows small businesses the opportunity to use proven techniques to save money and convert prospective clients into qualified leads. Here's what to do:
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Finding Help
Guide to Sales Consultants
By Rose Bricker
Sales consultants can improve your business by offering you services to increase your sales. A sales consultancy company can also be worthwhile since they will train your staff. Many companies don’t do as well as they could because they don’t have professional help. Top sales consultants can be pricey, so making a good choice is crucial. Here's how to proceed:
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Sharpen Your Presentations
Sales Presentation Software
By R.N. Dolgener
If you've watched a corporate presentation in the last few years, you know that the days of static slide shows are over. These days, multimedia presentation software and add-ins are must-haves for the business world, and sales presentations in particular. Here's what you need to help sharpen your presentations:
Read Full Guide |
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FAST TRACK
Quick reads, hot topics and cool tools for your business
Biz Networking: Konnects is a professional networking site that offers real-time collaboration for business professionals and organizations to connect with new and existing contacts and conduct transactions online. A new "My Broadcast" feature lets members post updates of what they are currently doing professionally.
Email Marketing Up: Email marketing services used by small business are seeing record volume as more biz owners seek effective, low-cost ways to market. One good option for small biz is VerticalResponse, a self-serve email marketing firm that helps you create, manage and analyze your own campaign.
SOLUTION OF THE WEEK
Awesome QuickBooks Add-on: Results CRM -- software that integrates with QuickBooks to manage customer relationships -- has just won an "Awesome QuickBooks Add-on Award" from the Sleeter Group, a national community of QuickBooks consultants. Results CRM, from Results Software, cost $295 for a single user license.
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