Sales
12
Answers
Internet Swiss Army Knife
This is not my specialty, however, I have been in your position many many times -- maybe this will help.
If the product is in-tangible, then look for JV partners on the Internet. Try to find an expert that deals with these JV opportunities (like me).
If the product is physical, then look for sales organizations that have networks of sales people across the country. You do the deal with the organization and the independent network of sales people sells your product. It's a sweet setup if you can negotiate a margin that works for everyone.
Hope that helps -
Cheers -
Nick
Answered over 10 years ago
Investor and business builder
I would change your question to how can you find *great sales reps* who will work for commissions only. You don't want to waste your time with reps who can't sell but will take your full commission role - it is not true that reps on full commission are automatically more motivated to sell - there are many reasons why someone might accept a full commission role...so my advice is to recruit in sectors where paying reps full commission is common (ie office products, cell phones). Invite such reps to call on you, network with them to find out who are the best ones, and contact those ones directly. Avoid recruiting in sectors that typically pay a base salary in combination with commissions as these reps (the good ones at least) will want to have a base. Avoid any rep that is used to a base salary and will work for 100% commission as the chances are that they can't sell and need a place to hang out while they scout for a job that will pay them a base.
Good luck!
Answered over 10 years ago
Managing Director at The Expert Institute
You could write a full book to answer this question. We've had great success hiring sales team members from other businesses in the same industry as our own. It helps to hire sales team members who've sold different services (or goods) to a similar clientele. This way, they come into the gig talking the talk - and knowing about industry expectations, vocab, best practices, etc.
Comp package will dictate the caliber of candidate you can attract to the position. I've always found our best sales people to be folks who work for only a limited commission (ie: 20% - 35% of their overall earnings) and a competitive fixed compensation.
Answered over 10 years ago
Business & Marketing Success Consultant & Coach
Read my advice below. This is really just a marketing problem .
Always specialize and find a niche. But do not find a ditch instead of a niche. Let me explain.
You can actually find several or even 100's of niches and specialize in each. Note that this very different from trying to appeal to everybody with the same product. However, nobody on here will be able to tell you the gaps in the software development market. But, I can tell you how to find the answer to your question. You can do this through testing, pre-launching, and launching. Your potential customers will give you the answers if you follow the techniques below.
Test, test, test. You should run several split tests using different videos within the campaign and drive customers to take some concrete, measurable actions. This action can be signing up for a newsletter, buying a product, signing up for a White Paper, signing up for a free bonus, etc. But you have to key each of these along with the video to make sure that the actual video is driving the actual action.
I am sharing other information from my other posts below in hopes that this also helps you.
Boot Strapping or Million Dollar Marketing. Here is the formula.
I am adding information below that I have shared with others.
If you were looking for a doctor, you would go to a hospital. If you were fishing you might use worms even if worms disgusted you. You would not use ice cream to catch a fish even if you yourself love ice cream for obvious reasons. The fish nor the customers don’t care what you like or what you want. They only care about what they want. Customers instinctively think “What’s in it for me?” Understanding this is the key to marketing. And understanding marketing is the key to get whatever you want in life or business.
For investors, try contacting owners of existing similar companies. They have more money and experience than you. Have them sign an NDA when possible before discussing your business proposition.
So, here are several of my marketing solutions:
Bonus:
Here is $10,000 worth of information for free and in a nutshell. (each of these proven concepts could actually be worth millions of dollars in the right hands).
I like your idea. As a matter of fact, I will go so far as say, it is a great idea. So...don't give up. But don't keep beating your head against the wall either. You have to get over the wall.
You have to quit focusing on marketing and sales tactics and focus on a strategy. How do you to this? You have to come up with a really solid USP. Why would a customer choose you over others similar companies? Find the answer to this before you continue with your marketing strategy.
Secondly, you need an irresistible offer.
Thirdly, you need to offer an unbelievable guarantee. By doing this and following the directions below on pre-launch and launch you should be a lot closer to getting real solid customers.
I didn't actually invent the pre-launch or the launch. Concert goers are very familiar with winning concert tickets by calling into radio stations or winning VIP treatment, or back stage passes, lunch with a star, the list goes on.
Likewise, if you look at "professional wrestling" or boxing, or MMA, the whole fighting before the fight is just a pre-launch. Unfortunately, even heroin dealers use a pre-launch technique better than most business people. PT Barnum was doing this for circus goers over 100 years earlier. And I can only imagine the pre-launch of the Romans for the Gladiator Fights.
In more recent history, every type of business from Retail Stores to Real Estate companies have used multiple pre-launch techniques. Believe me; tourists are bombarded with Condo deals when they visit Disney Land.
This is similar, but different from lead generation, another power marketing concept along with backend sales techniques (I don't have the enough space to discuss these and other powerful techniques here). But I use these techniques in my own businesses including offering free information packed newsletters and encouraging my clients to move up my sales ladder because it is best for them. Most do move up the sales ladder as their ambition and drive increases. Some move all the way up from the very beginning. Both benefit from this, one just takes longer to receive the benefits. Others will never take a chance on becoming successful.
Okay, to pre-launch campaigns for SaaS platforms, a startup, or any product or service. Simply, come up with a taste of what you have, ask a serious question and answer it. At the end of the end of the first "answer and solution" set the potential client up with another problem that is very familiar to them. Convince them that you have the answer. Follow this technique several times. Most do this repetition 2 or 3 times, but a famous golfer has sent me literally dozens of how to videos in order for me to take the bait.
You might think that giving the answer to a solution makes your product less valuable and your opinion less valuable. If you think that…then you would be wrong. Heck, look at what I have given out in this answer alone. But, this is just the microscopic tip of my business and marketing knowledge. My experience is if you give you will receive. That is…if you know what to give, how much to give, and how to receive.
I am not trying to convince you to call me. Frankly, most people cannot afford to call me and I am very selective about who I accept as my clients. Besides, I am pretty busy with my own businesses and consulting with some very high paying customers. However, I would need more info from you before I could have a greater impact in helping you.
Most solutions involved this: Ask, Ask, Ask, then Ask again.
Concentrate on the 3 M's of Marketing. I have come up with 7 M’s of Marketing, but 3 will do for now. These are Market, Message, and Media. They come in that order.
Who is your target market (customer, clients, buyers, users, etc.)?
Tailor your laser focused message for this target market.
What is the best media mix to get your message to that market?
Here's what you do...first, take steps to make sure that you are actually selling something that a hungry crowd wants like a baby wants milk, then…make an offer that is so incredible that they cannot resist. Secondly, do all the work for them. Make it so easy to make the purchase now that they can do it virtually without effort. Thirdly, give them an incentive to act right now. Fourthly, offer an almost unbelievable guarantee. Fifth, offer a bonus for acting now. There are many other incredible steps in my playbook, but these steps should help the novice to the professional sell anything.
Whether you are selling B2B or B2C, you have to focus on selling to only one person. You can actually sell to one person at a time while selling to millions at a time. These are one and the same. Don't get off track. What we call digital marketing selling is just selling in print. And that has not changed since in the last couple of thousand years.
The secret to success: I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with some of the biggest names in business, celebrities, actors, entrepreneurs, business people, and companies from startup to billion dollar operations. The number one reason for their success is doing what they know and love while doing it in new, creative, and innovative ways.
Ask, Ask, Ask. Have thick skin and learn from each "mistake." In a short while, the market will tell you what you need to do and who and what you need to ask. But get started now, even if that just means asking a contact on LinkedIn.
While you are thinking, you might as well think really big and think of something at least 1% better, newer, or different. And being cheaper is not a winning strategy.
Make decisions quickly and change decisions slowly…unless you are actually going off a cliff.
Remember these two 11 letter words...persistence and consistency. They are two of the most important tools ever invented.
Even better yet, remember my 411 Rule of Achievement – It consists of (4) eleven letter words for super achievement (also an 11 letter word). Here it is, my 411 Rule of Super Achievement:
Persistence and
Consistency can change even the smallest
Possibility into a big time
Probability
Persistence + Consistency =
Possibility Probability
By the way, I get a lot of people asking me if I can take phone calls for free (a free sample). Sorry, I can’t. I respect Clarity.fm and what they are trying to accomplish. And I wouldn’t if I could. The information that I offer is just too valuable to give away for free. I used to give information away for free and nobody used it. I found that when I charge $3,000/hour people paid attention and actually used my unique techniques, strategies, and tactics. Without taking action on this incredible information or paying someone to take action, you will not succeed no matter how “lucky” you may be.
Treat everybody you talk to and everybody you meet (including yourself) like each is your number one million dollar customer.
Remember this for most people who really want to achieve a dream:
First: Your dreams are important and those who don’t support and believe in your dreams either don’t understand your desire and ambition or they have some other reason (many times reasons they themselves don’t understand) for not wanting you to spend the time and effort necessary to achieve your dreams.
Secondly: If you haven’t achieved your dreams and goals so far, it is not your fault. I know that this goes against what you usually hear, but it is true. Stop blaming yourself. You have a whole world of obstacles that are truly to blame. You only need to figure out how to go over, go under, go through, go around, or go with these obstacles in the direction of your dreams.
Thirdly: Fear is normal, but don’t give into it. Use it to motivate you and guide you.
Fourth: You are right; there are probably some people who don’t want you to succeed.
Fifth: Keep this in mind, there are people competing to get there first, do more, have more, invent what you are considering inventing, or simply trying to win. Believing in yourself and what you are doing is part of a powerfull strategy for winning over your competition.
I also always suggest that everybody at every stage work with a coach, mentor, or consultant. Heck, it works for Tiger Woods, every team in the NFL, the NBA, and etc. We all need guidance and support.
Best of luck,
Take massive action and never give up.
Michael
Michael Irvin, MBA, RN
www.michaelvonirvin.com
PS – Many people have “Upvoted” my answers. Thanks to those who do this. I really appreciated.
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Answered over 8 years ago
Distribution Team at 500 Startups
I've been involved in just about every type of sales organization and have had to grow several of them. One of the best ways to find sales reps that will work for commission is to find other organizations that currently employ the type of reps that you'd like to hire.
Here's how to go about it:
1. Make a list of companies with a similar sales team to the one you'd like to build yourself.
2. Search on LinkedIn using advanced search. Look up sales reps that worked at these companies in the past.
3. Analyze the duration of the sales reps at these companies. You're looking for a pattern in consistently short stays at a company. When you find that you're probably dealing with a high turnover sales team.
4. Start reaching out to some of the sales people that had left and ask about their experiences there. You can use this time to confirm that these are the types of reps you would want to hire as well.
5. Take the feedback from the former reps and start to develop your pitch. Show them why working at your company is better than the former. Make their lives better and blow up your team!
Hope this helps. Glad to discuss other hiring strategies in detail, just call.
Answered over 10 years ago
Small Business Consultant, entrepreneur
The best sales people already have good jobs. You must recruit from those that are doing well at similar types of sales. You already know they can sell, you have to convince they that they are better off working for you. This saves you a fortune in training costs and time. If I was selling retail I would go to every store in the area selling similar price items and see who is really sharp and take them out for lunch. If you have a better deal than where they are you will get many of them to work for you. Call if you would like to discuss it further.
Answered over 9 years ago
⚡️I love transforming strategic ideas into profit
Want to know the 1000% EASIEST WAY?
Don't reinvent the wheel. Don't make your life harder than it already is...
Find who already has the best reps and partner with them in some way that adds value for both of you.
Example:
• Similar buyers - you sell tech services? Partner with internet service brokers who already sell to your same target market
Google "referral partner" if you are IRL and "joint venture (JV)" if you are in the internet world for way more info.
Gotta run - busy helping a couple more winners win more by doing less, better...
- Daniel
http://thedanielbennett.com
Answered about 6 years ago
Management Consultant
Answer to yourself those questions:
- marketing & sales, or only sales
- what is the budget for that position
- look in the existing staff, somebody can do, sharing his / her time with else. check with several people
- spend your own time, trying to work as sales rep, in order to understand well, what this job is about
- try with somebody who does similar, with products from the same family. for example, he / she sells switches, you ask them to share with your lamps, as they visit the same customer
- when gather enough understanding about this role, go to recruiter and find the best one
all the best
Val
Answered almost 6 years ago
Clarity Expert
Easy, you want to post an ad on upwork.com tell them your looking for Sales people who work purely on commission, there are a few people I know who might be interested but it really depends on your product first, could you give us some more details?
Answered almost 6 years ago
Internationally acclaimed coach & trainer
look for creative people who want just commission, those who want base pay are likely less believing in themselves
Answered over 4 years ago
🌎Harvard Certified Global Corporate Trainer🌍
If you ask me, the best way is to search for commission sales representative is on the best job portals in the world. The seven best job portals are as follows:
1. CareerJet: CareerJet has been around since 2001 and centralizes over 40 million job listings in one place, scanning over 58,000 websites daily. We chose CareerJet as the best overall site for international jobs because it lets you easily search for open roles across all levels and industries in over 90 countries. On CareerJet you can search for jobs by keyword, title, company, and location. Once you start searching, you can click on more advanced filters for titles, contract length, hours, and company names. You can find jobs for all experience levels and most industries, such as communications, finance, media, healthcare, and tech. Note that CareerJet will display the official language of the countries you’re searching for, so be sure to use a browser that will translate everything if you aren’t fluent. It is free to search on any of CareerJet’s international sites, and you do not need to make an account to apply for open positions. If you create a free account on CareerJet, you can save selected jobs and sign up to receive email alerts for specific searches.
2. Indeed Worldwide: Indeed, was founded in 2004 and is now the largest job website in the world. Indeed, serves over 250 million monthly users and adds 10 new job listings every second. We chose Indeed Worldwide as our runner-up because, although it has more job listings than CareerJet and is extremely easy to use, it has significantly fewer countries listed. Indeed, posts international listings in every industry, every level, and every lifestyle. Candidates can search by job title and location, salary range, date posted, and experience level. Keep in mind that Indeed will adjust its language to reflect whatever country you are looking for jobs in, so make sure you use a web browser that can translate each listing, if necessary. Indeed is 100% free and you do not need to sign up for an account. However, creating an account has several added benefits. With an account, you can sign up to receive email alerts when new jobs are posted and save jobs to apply for them later. Indeed, also provides a salary comparison tool and a company reviews section, so you can look at company reviews before you apply to a role or accept an offer.
3. CEO Worldwide: CEO Worldwide was founded in 2001 out of a frustration of the complexities that come with hiring global executive talent. CEO Worldwide currently has over 18,000 vetted executives in its network, spanning across 180 countries. We chose CEO Worldwide as the best place to find international executive-level jobs because it exclusively focuses on and provides high-quality, up-to-date executive listings. CEO Worldwide posts both permanent and contract executive roles across dozens of industries, including but not limited to consumer goods, energy, finance, healthcare, and software. To be added to CEO World wide’s candidate pool, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $60 with your application. Once approved, you can apply to any open opportunity that is of interest, as well as be contacted by any employers actively recruiting for open roles on the platform. You can also sign up to receive email alerts that match your profile and interests.
4. Teach Away: Teach Away was created in 2003 to help teachers find jobs overseas. It’s now one of the biggest international teacher recruitment companies and helps connect teachers to new opportunities across 50 countries. We chose Teach Away as the best site for international ESL jobs because of its size, high-quality listings, resources for professional development, and networking opportunities. It is free to join Teach Away, but you are required to complete an online profile before you can apply to open jobs. Once you have finished your profile, you can browse and apply to ESL jobs around the world, many of which include flight reimbursements, housing accommodations, and food stipends in addition to a salary. In addition to a robust job board, Teach Away also has an active Facebook Group community and fantastic blog with detailed information on how to become a teacher and find a teaching job. As part of their commitment to further teacher education, Teach Away offers easy and affordable state teacher certification and TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) courses to help you become qualified for more opportunities.
5. Expat Network: Expat Network was originally created in 1989 as a resource for ex-pats across the globe. We picked Expat Network as the best site for resources because, not only do they provide a great job board for international jobs but they also have dozens of free resource guides, blog posts, and checklists for fine-tuning your resume for international positions, moving, and managing your finances abroad. Expat Network serves as a one-stop-shop for finding jobs and doing research on how to coordinate moving and adjusting to expat life. You can search for jobs by keyword, industry, location, and duration. Expat Network includes over 100 countries in its database and serves all major industries including but not limited to finance, healthcare, human resources, IT, marketing, and sales. You will also find detailed blog posts on how to coordinate an international move, adjust your finances to a new banking system and currency, and navigate healthcare abroad. Expat Network has comprehensive downloadable guides on moving to Australia, France, Spain, and Portugal, specifically. All sections of Expat Network are free to use.
6. USAJOBS: USAJOBS helps people find government jobs both domestically and abroad. Today, USAJOBS lists available positions from over 500 different agencies in 147 countries. We chose USAJOBS as the best site for federal government jobs abroad because their search functions make it extremely easy to find jobs overseas. To apply for jobs on USAJOBS, you will need to create an account and fill out your profile. Then, you are free to search for and apply to jobs for all experience levels. The most common jobs abroad are administration staff, commissary staff, food service workers, education aids, human resources assistants, and logistics managers. You can also filter by salary range, departments, and agencies to narrow your search even further. After applying to any open roles, you can check on the status of your applications by logging into the Application section of your account. USAJOBS is completely free to use.
7. Go Abroad: Founded in 1997, Go Abroad was founded in order to bridge the gap between companies offering international job programs and students looking to work abroad. GoAbroad now serves over one million monthly visitors and has over 15,000 programs listed in its database. Go Abroad is the best place to search for international gap year jobs not only because of its size, but because it provides real reviews for its most popular programs, has a scholarship database, and helps with visas and travel insurance. On Go Abroad, you can search for opportunities by category or country for free. The most popular types of jobs are au pairing, farm work, marketing, social justice, and teaching English. You can apply to any position without having an account on the site, but registering for an account allows you to save programs for later and use the platform’s compare feature to find the one that’s best for you. Under each program you’re interested in, you can also read reviews from current or past participants to get a better idea of what to expect. Since some programs do not cover the costs of flying, meals, and moving, you can also browse and apply to scholarships through Go Abroad. The site also has visa advisors and travel insurance guides to help you figure out exactly what you need before jetting off to your new job.
The second way is to finding commission only sales representatives are as follows:
1. Finding Commission-Only Salespeople: Recruiting the best salespeople can be a challenge, but there are plenty of candidates out there who are eager for new opportunities. But first, you need to find them. These tips will help you get the number of quality candidates you need to make a great hire. Getting the number of commission-only sales applicants that you want is only possible if your company's online presence and job advertising inspire confidence in your company and product.
Make sure that your company's website and social media profiles have been updated recently, and that your social profiles have content showing your employees on the job. When advertising a commission-only job, you should be strategic about choosing the job boards and other candidate sources that you use to advertise the job. Targeting salespeople and even commission-only sales reps will give your job advertising laser precision for attracting talented sales professionals. It is also effective to use a diversity of candidates’ sources, like a variety of job boards (Indeed, Craigslist, etc.) and social media platforms (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, etc.). Your personal and professional networks can be a fantastic resource for hiring salespeople who work on commission. By reaching out to contacts and colleagues with your job opportunity, you can connect with talented sales professionals who share a connection with you, increasing their chances of being engaged in your job opportunity. Along with the people you are connected to through your career and online, you can use the connections of your employees to find talented commission-only salespeople.
2. The Main Difference Between Commission-Only and Salaried Salespeople: The main difference between commission-only and salaried salespeople is that salaried salespeople are paid a salary and commission-only salespeople earn their income solely through each sale they successfully facilitate. Because commission-only salespeople only earn when they make a sale, they are results-oriented and are economically incentivized to make the greatest number of sales possible. Salaried salespeople may also earn commission on the sales they close, but they typically receive a much smaller commission because they are already being compensated for their work.
3. Securing Quality Candidates: Sales rep candidates should always be told the commission rate they will be earning. The commission rate you offer is one of the main reasons that candidates are interested in your open job and being upfront about your commission rate will allow candidates to decide if your job is right for their needs. But what is a good commission rate for your company? Do some research into what the standard is for businesses your size that are in the same industry and location, and aim to come as close to that (or even exceed it) as much as your budget allows. Otherwise, you will spend a lot more time and money hiring candidates. Your sales reps need to have the right sales experience to be able to interact with customers in a competent and confident way. Because they will be commission-only, it is essential that sales hires be effective, as neither of you will make any money if they are not suited for the sales role. For instance, if you sell luxury goods and a sales rep is used to selling software solutions, they may be more focused on utility than the quality of the product and the enjoyment that customers will experience from the product. Other than sales experience, your commission-only salespeople will need the right soft skills and personality to fit with your company and open job. While the ability to deliver a convincing pitch is important, it is just as important for your sales reps to listen to the desires and concerns of customers. As you talk with sales rep candidates, pay attention to the soft skills that they use in your conversation, and what sort of impression they leave you with. Culture fit is incredibly important for your employees, and if they do not feel like they fit with your team or your company, they are likely to have lower engagement and a shorter period of retention.
4. Converting Candidates: Though a sales professional may have come in for a few interviews and seems interested in your job offer, you still need to close the deal. You have been evaluating the skills of commission-only salespeople, but don't forget that they are evaluating you as well.
Always give candidates a variety of reasons for choosing your open job. For instance, apart from the generous commission rate you offer, you can tell candidates about the familial environment that your company supports with regular outings and dinners for staff members. To ensure sales reps have a clear idea of the position you're offering, you should provide all candidates with detailed information on your product, your sales cycle and the commission rate they would be making on sales. To be effective, your commission-only sales representatives need to be experts on your product and what benefits your product provides for customers. Rather than teaching sales reps what your product does, you should explain the advantages that your product has over competitors, the potential drawbacks of your product and other practical information that will help sales reps have informed conversations with customers. Your sales reps should know your sales cycle like the back of their hand. They are the ones who will be guiding customers through the stages of your sale cycle, so the sooner they become familiar with it, the more comfortable they will be when working with customers.
5. Welcoming New Commission-Only Sales Reps: After you have selected the best sales rep candidate available, it's time to onboard and train your new hire to ensure that they get started off on the right foot. For example, no matter how experienced your new sales rep hire is, they will still need to be trained on the specifics of your product, your sales cycle, and your company. Always err on the side of too much training, because the more that your sales reps know about selling for you, the better they will do. The performance of salespeople is always closely monitored, but do not forget to also monitor the engagement levels of new commission-only salespeople. If a commission-only salesperson is having difficulty making sales, then they are likely to get discouraged and can become disengaged before long, which can lead to resigning shortly thereafter. When a sales rep is struggling, you should meet with them to see how they can be better supported and if there are any factors within your control to help them improve their performance.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath
Answered about 4 years ago
Hyper-growth hacking for startups
2 paths you can take:
1. Hire a recruiter - I work with a handful of recruiters that specialize in different geographies and levels of seniority
2. Hire yourself - I’m happy to help you with best practices and strategy for finding, interview, hiring and ramping up a commissioned sales team Very Quickly
Answered almost 3 years ago