Using electronics aids

Selling and marketing have been moved into a new dimension with the advent of cyberspace. Portable computers and mobile telephones, to name two modern devices, have become  indispensable sales tools.

EXPLOITING MOBILITY

Advances in telecommunications have created the salesperson of no fixed abode. One immediate advantage , apart from lower sales overheads, is the elimination of the need for attending the office daily. Sales reporting can be handled over the computer network, automatically increasing the amount of selling time available. Face- to - face meetings , supplemented by conferencing- with or without video- remain essential, but can be held only when necessary

CARRYING COMPUTERS

Laptop computers and electronics diaries have revolutionized key aspects of selling. The best equipped  salespeople "carry" their desks and filing systems in their briefcase and have them linked to the central office files. They can answer questions in customers' offices or homes at the click of a mouse. While talking to the customer, they can configure a potential order , and check on availability , delivery and prices. If a sale is made, they can enter the details immediately for clearing into the company system..

OPERATING ONLINE

The internet is potentially the greatest aid to selling ever invented. Every company can advertise using the websites, and individual salespeople can set up their own sites. Some sites allow the customer to order, pay , make queries without going near a salespeople. Companies of all sizes offer packages to help you get started on the internet. You can have your website written , designed,programmed and maintained, or you can choose to receive advice that enables your company to create and operate the site itself.

USING E-MAIL AND FAX

E-mail or electronic mail, has advantages in terms of cost and convenience compared with faxes. However , faxes are still heavily used- through both dedicated machines and computers. E-mail has advantage of supplying an electronic version of the text , which the recipient can manipulate, but faxes are more suitable for sending contracts and other legal documents requiring a signature. The prime advantage of e-mail is also a main drawback - its ease of use results in large number of messages. Encourage colleagues to send only important messages.