Enterprise Nation

You've got your idea for a home business and you've written a plan. To turn this into a real business, it’s time to make your first sale. Here are a few tips for any first-time salesman or woman.

Top tips   
Here are a few tips to winning that first sale. 

Identify your customers
Write a list of the top 10 or 20 people who you think would be interested in buying your product or service.

Perfect the pitch
Work on the message that you want to convey to potential customers; including product/service features, the benefits of buying from you, and the cost involved.  Remember to include your contact details too.

Contact your customers
Contact the people on your list; via email or maybe with a direct mail flyer. Try to make this approach as tailored as possible. We all like receiving personal attention.

Follow up
Leave a week or so before you follow up. If you aren’t given a first hearing, keep following up. Don’t become a pest. But do be persistent.

Shout about your success 
Once you’ve made your first sale, tell everyone about it. This sale means you’ve now got a track record and credibility that makes it easier for other customers to say “yes” to you too!