Tagged With "Diversifying Your Business"
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Re: The End Of The Day With Ray! The MP and the Refugees
Thanks for sharing your story with us. It puts things in perspective. Stay safe.
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Re: COVID19 "Remote Working" Day Eighteen of Sales
People always like getting free stuff. Two promo ideas 1). Offer 1-5 free color banner prints to your clients and prospects.. Many copiers can now print banners up to 12"W by 48" L . This feature is often not promoted. It costs you almost nothing but the customer might perceive as having value. It could be "Open for Business", "Happy Birthday," "Grand Re-Opening", whatever. The customer can dictate the content. You can add a little logo in the corner of the banner "supplied by ABC Copier...
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Re: COVID19 "Remote Working" Day Eighteen of Sales
I like the second offer, yes people always like free
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Re: COVID19 "Remote Working" Day Forty-Three of Sales
SSG that's an awesome video! You can send links to clients, and direct them to your channel. It's a virtual demo that keeps on giving. Kudos I have some of the same issues with getting appointments through Linkedin, however I know of several peeps that use Linkedin as their only source for prospecting and they are doing well. I will keep working it since I have a Navigator account now
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Re: The End Of The Day With Ray! Beware of the Predators!!
Which episode did you comment that everybody is trying to sell Document Mgt systems these days and why you think that is not the best idea? BTW, I purchased some eLearn courses on www.selltowin.com because of one of your SAT AM episodes. Thanks,
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Re: Post-Virus We Must Defeat The Zombie Companies!
Although I am 60% on board with your move to A4 strategy, most of the rest of the stuff you are posting is "knocking it out of the park"! I would like to see a poll. As a business owner, during COVID-19 would you prefer? 1). No lease payments for 90 days 2). 1/2 price lease payments for one year The auto industry is pushing no payments for 90 days but I think business owners are more concerned about cash flow for the next year. I think the correct strategy is to offer as part of your...
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Re: Special Announcement from Art
CONGRATS ART! So excited for you and your family! Sucks to have been knocked with the flue so close to the birth of your grandchild, but take the great with the bad. I know we've spoke about it before, but my wife's still pregnant as yesterdays due date came and went. Kid doesn't realize he's impeding on poppa's schedule to sell! Congrats and get better soon!
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Re: Ask Me Anything
Sounds like I missed a good knowledge drop last week Art! Had a pretty good excuse, but love the topics discussed! I'm always learning and part of this ongoing learning is something from your blogs/emails that I throw in my knowledge bucket. Keep it up and I appreciate what you do!
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
No, Art. You're spot on. I haven't had many jobs outside the industry, but the majority of the old guard is so proud of the way they've always done it & receives so much validation from other dealers with the same mentality (via BTA, CDA, SDG, et al) that they often refuse to admit the need to change until it's practically too late. There are ideas & concepts that I brought up 3-5 years ago that were considered to be "interesting but not really necessary" that we're suddenly latching...
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Re: Those Magnificent Men and Their Copy Machines
Almost three years ago, I wrote the above blog. I want to do a 2015 version. Please either post here or go to the forums and write a short paragraph about how your company is giving back to the community so that we can post the 2015 version of "Those Magnificent Men (Women) and Their Copy Machines". It would be great to see how we all contribute. Please post below. I re-posted the older version on the blog tonight also. Here is the link for the forums.
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Re: Those Magnificent Men and Their Copy Machines
Hey Art, Really admire your efforts in our industry and with your blog. Its been a long time resource to keep me updated in our industry. I will be celebrating 14 years at Martin Group, and was happy to see us represented in the list above. We are as enthusiastic as ever in supporting our communities, and below is a quick write up we refreshed to be current. Martin Group in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Is a regional power house in the office equipment community. With 35 years in the industry, and...
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Re: Those Magnificent Men and Their Copy Machines
Hey Art, what do you recommend to transport copiers… ie stairclimbers or general devices to move copiers around re installs etc.? Thanks for your help. bob
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
I've always learned the two terms separately: Net New Business: Placing an MFP into a new account that had no existing MFP Competitive Knockout: Displacing a competitor's MFP with your own Base Upgrade: Upgrading one of your current MFP's Base Net New: Adding a new MFP into one of your current accounts The terms would be based based on the department. So for your car dealer example, you would be an existing account for their service department but net new business for their sales department.
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
Originally Posted by Czech: I've always learned the two terms separately: Net New Business: Placing an MFP into a new account that had no existing MFP Competitive Knockout: Displacing a competitor's MFP with your own Base Upgrade: Upgrading one of your current MFP's Base Net New: Adding a new MFP into one of your current accounts The terms would be based based on the department. So for your car dealer example, you would be an existing account for their service department but net new business...
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
In my opinion, Net New is any revenue stream you did not previously have. Take over service of a competitor's equipment = Net New. Replace that machine purchased from a competitor with one of your own = Net New. Take over management of their print fleet or IT infrastructure = Net New. Replace those printers or computers, Net New. Time comes to renew those contracts at a lower or identical service payment= Upgrade. But, if their monthly payment increases, the difference between the old...
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Re: Four Reasons Why I'm SO Excited about Print Audit Insight Dashboard!!
ty John! Love your products! Can't wait to meet you and the gang in September
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Re: How I turned $15 into a 24K Opportunity
Hey Art! I started using Aweber email software about 5 months ago. I send out a monthly newsletter with a customized template. People read it! Best part is that you always stay top of mind with your prospects. I actually exported my contact list from my CRM software and imported that into Aweber. Currently have about 100 prospects and customers in my email list. It's great! Much cheaper than a mailer.
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Re: Selling Copiers “The Good Ole Days”
Come on Art, admit it. After 30 years of the good old days you would have been bored out of your mind. It is fun to look back on though. Sent from my iPhone Please excuse typos Thank you and Have a Great Day > On Nov 18, 2015, at 12:07 AM, "Print4Pay Hotel" < alerts@hoop.la > wrote: >
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Re: Slumps Happen... 3 Tips To Beat the Sales Funk
Great stuff Larry. A sales slump means you've fallen in love with the result more than the process. It's not a slump if you love selling and working with your clients.
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Re: Slumps Happen... 3 Tips To Beat the Sales Funk
The only tip I know of is to work your ass off. Slumps are directly related to not working hard. The hardier you work, the luckier you get!
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Re: Are Copier Sales Reps Asking the Right Questions
As you said, this blog wasn't meant to cover all the bases but your comments about brand loyalty and brand/service provider loyalty are only true if the decision maker has been the same for each decision. If you aren't talking to the owner, you may be talking to a totally different person than the one that made past decisions. You need to know that before you decide whether to pack your bags and walk away. Also, in a leased equipment environment, the decision to stay with the same brand and...
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Re: Why Social Selling Stinks for Most Copier Sales Reps
Very interesting point of view. Always informative. Old adage. The more activity the greater the results. Plan your work. Work your plan. Have a great day.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
Thank you for sharing the blog, Art. I must admit to not putting two and two together. I appreciate your thoughts. George Krebs Shore Business Solutions
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
George You are welcome!
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
I suspect that you are retired from the copier industry and do not have to earn commissions each month to support your family. As an active sales rep, I do not have the luxury of hoping that things will run their course when I have budgets and quotas to meet each month. The people who are going to be adversely effected will be US copier sales reps with a higher cost of goods.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
What about the term "Free Trade" do you not understand? You argue the advantages of lower lumber prices for Americans while disputing the value of lower dairy prices for Canadians. Free trade suggests that the market should decide what is best for the consumer. Free trade would also suggest that your exorbantly high taxes really shouldn't be a factor. We should probably leave the health care debate out of the equation. I for one would rather have what we have than what the Canadians have,...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
You can call it whatever you want tariff/ tax but if your cost of goods increases by up to 10% this fall solely due to actions by the Trump Administration we will see if you feel the same by Jan 2019. You seem a bit naive in thinking that a tariff is not a tax. I am sure Ricoh will not share you opinion on selling less new equipment in favor of used gear.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
Trump is doing the right thing. As far as Ricoh is concerned, I couldn't care less of their opinion. It's all about putting food on the table for our families.
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Re: Fifty Seven Days of Selling Copiers
Good Luck Old Dog!!! I've got $10 says you get your $200K
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Re: 57 Days of Selling Copiers "Day 3
Best wishes with this one. Appears your efforts are going in right direction. Looking forward to hearing the outcome. Larry K
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Re: 57 Days of Selling Copiers "Day 4"
Thanks Art for sharing your 57 days. Gives a great prospective. I'm going to reach out to Copier Solutions about adding the locks to my arsenal.
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Re: Top Ten "Why Copiers Should Have Warning Labels"
Ty Jason! Had fun with this!! Ty for the email about your rep, that was very humorous sale!! Maybe post in on the forums?
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Re: 57 Days of Selling Copiers "Day 10"
I know feast or famine right? I feel your pain but luckily not this month.
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Re: 57 Days of Selling Copiers "Day 10"
ty! I've had feasting for three months, now it's time for payback
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Re: 57 Days of Selling "Day 16"
Quick question Art. I am starting my pipeline for 2017. I have a goal set but my question is what % of that goal should I already have in my pipeline before the year starts to hit my annual goal for next year. Just your thoughts.
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Re: 57 Days of Selling "Day 16"
Art, how do you create a funnel of 180k each and every month? What constitutes an "opportunity" in your mind: a) A customer who is actively looking for a solution you offer or B) Someone that you've determined (not the customer yet) has a need for a solution you offer?
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Re: 57 Days of Selling "Day 16"
Never ever stop prospecting is the key. Always adding and subtracting. I would say on average I keep about $100K of deals I think can close in 30 days. I focus on 180 because 2/3rd of them will either roll, or lose. 90% of the time, I will wait until the first contact to determine if that appointment is an opportunity. Once it's in the funnel, I then determine when it may have a chance to close. If's it's more than 50% it's going in the 30 day close funnel
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Re: 57 Days of Selling "Day 16"
Art, You had mentioned a monthly customer contact email that you do—you were going to send a copy of that—where can I find it? Enjoying your 57 Days of selling—learning a lot! Sue
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Re: A Halloween Tale of an A3 Copier’s Death
What is even more scary is how your commission cheques will fall in $ value if you only sell A4 copiers. The copier/printer market is not getting any larger and if a commission sales rep focuses on selling lower $ value A4 boxes, they are going to have to make a lot more sales calls and sell a lot more boxes to earn the same money.
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Re: Is This the Beginning of the End for the Padding of Lease Rates?
Maybe not such a bad thing. This makes shorter term leases with less interest more attractive and therefore leases can be turned faster as long as your not padding your leases to begin with.
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Re: Is This the Beginning of the End for the Padding of Lease Rates?
Hello Art and the rest of the P4P members - Our industry association (ELFA), along with several independent law firms that represent many of our industry members are reviewing this legislation to determine the actual effects it will have on the industry as a whole and to provide guidance so that our members will be in compliance with the legislation. What we know at this point is that is you are involved in offering financing to businesses in California, you will be subject to this...
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Re: Is This the Beginning of the End for the Padding of Lease Rates?
from today's Leasing News. Ralph Petta Reaction to Tom McCurnin's "Is the Disclosure Too Complicated? of SB 1235" [ http://leasingnews.org/hires/petta_ralph2018.jpg ] From: Ralph Petta President and CEO Equipment Leasing and Finance Association 1625 Eye Street, NW * Suite 850 Washington, DC 20006 "Allow me to take exception and set the record straight with respect to Mr. McCurnin's statement in his September 21 article(1) about passage of disclosure legislation in California, SB 1235 that...
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Re: A Few Copier Vignettes from the Late Eighties & Nineties
Art, You and I are from similar professional backgrounds and times. We started in 1980 selling Sharp and Juki typewriters. Everything sold near MSRP. Then the fax boom came and we caught that wave perfectly. We sold Ricoh thermal faxes for full list ($2995.00). The only issue was cash flow; we sold them faster than we could order and purchase them. Copier Maintenance agreements went from .022 up to .035 and did not include drums, developer, toner, fuser rollers or lamps! Also, like your...