7 marketing techniques to differentiate themselves from competitors

You have a choice. You can stand out or blend in with the competitive landscape. The differentiation is not natural, blending ago. We all want to tune in with the crowd, we want to be like everyone else, and we've been that way since we were kids. As a professional sales representative should focus on what makes it different, because the similarities will take care of themselves.

In case of sale, there are three main things you can differentiate: you, your products and your company. My observation is that most sales reps do an adequate job of differentiating their products and their company. Are neglected, however, to develop a personal brand. Before a customer considers buying your products, they must buy.

Here are seven ways to separate from the competition:

1. Waiting for your questions. Look the part, because your appearance affects the image. You're walking billboard and how you look is what your prospects to see before. Belts and shoes should be the same color. Shoes and heels of shoes to be shined - every day. When it comes to your wardrobe buy less and spend more.

2. Prepare an effective e-mail signature. Your e-mail signature course must include your name, keyword, a short phrase - describing your experience, a phone number, and your web site. Also periodically include a postscript and a PPS emphasize new product introductions, special sales, and special events. In this way, every email provides a branding and promotional opportunity for you.

3. Getting people to return their telephone calls is a challenge for everyone. Using a different approach can make a difference in the world. Mike, a client shared with me and is guaranteed to be different. If someone very important to not return phone calls using this approach. Buy a cup of coffee and print these words on the cup. "Let's talk business over a cup of coffee." Put a package of Starbucks coffee in the mug and include a note with your business card and the times you are available to take your call.

4. Here is an idea business card. Why are business cards printed on one side? Use the white side of your business to stand out. You can print a quote of inspiration. You can print the 7 reasons why customers want to do business with you. Use red ink to make it stand.

5. It is a small tip if it is an effective way. Most of the promotional literature is produced in standard sizes 81/2 "X 11". Since the majority of people are overwhelmed by the amount of work on their desk - have simply create piles of rep sales literature. Vai at an Office Depot and buy brightly colored 9 x 12 paper. Apply literature to X 9 12 paper and will standout in a pile of literature. Use the open space on colored paper to write a message, a call, or even your phone number.

6. The visibility is more important than ability. Each contact counts. Develop a (one-two-three) of follow-up of the system every time you meet and / or talk with a new perspective. Here's my recommendation - within 24 hours send an e-mail within 72 hours send a handwritten note, within 10 days send a handwritten note with an article for your prospect. Within two weeks you have a total of four exposures with the new perspective. Now that is impressive.

7. Prepare creative organizational charts for your larger proposals. In your business, if you do proposals especially for larger deals, we recommend using a very creative organizational chart. Think of five to seven people in your organization who interact with customers, you, the sales manager, vice president of sales, customer service, technical service, you get the picture. Create an organization using the boxes in each box and include the following: name, title, telephone number, fax number, e-mail, and digital photography. This brings the entire team with the photographs to your new potential customer. It 's easier for a prospect to say no to a seller than it is to say no to the whole team.

The real difference between vendors is what's inside their heads - their ideas. To offer generalities when customers are demanding specificity is missing the target completely. Do not allow generalities to skewer the real differences between you and your competitors.

Being boring, bland, and benign will not cut it in today's highly competitive market.

If you want to make a difference need to be different ....