Sales Strategy
How To Avoid A Summer Sales Slump May 26, 2015 (0 comments)
Portsmouth, NH—Summer and fun go hand in hand. Between the fact that most of the United States (and all of Canada) doesn’t get year-round outdoor weather, and that we’re conditioned from the first day of school that summer means vacation, it’s hard to stay focused when vacation plans, parties, beach houses, and mountain cabins beckon.
Sales trainer Lori Richardson of Score More Sales offers some valuable tips for avoiding a summer sales slump. While her blog is about B2B selling, her tips are equally useful in a retail sales environment, especially because summer lacks a natural jewelry-gifting occasion and it’s up to sales associates to work their client books for personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, or “just because” sales—because you found something special in Las Vegas with that client in mind; because she has to go to seven weddings and a great pair of earrings will go with every outfit; or because the couples you sold engagement rings to also need wedding bands and attendant gifts.
Here is an excerpt of Richardson’s tips:
Plan More, React Less. Get your calendar out and block everything social you need to be involved in (not necessarily everything you’re invited to, but what you really want or need to attend) from now till Labor Day. Plan for it now so you don’t have to react to it later.
Work in Focused Time Blocks. Set specific times for prospecting, research, clients, email, and paperwork. Honor those time slots and get your work done.
Have fun. Selling in a front line role is a tough job day in and day out, so find ways like contests and things to change it up and make it not only tolerable, but pleasant and fun.
Learn Something. The summer months are a great time to learn specific skills or get certifications to help you grow professionally. Set a goal to learn specific things and find ways to make that happen.
Top image: whenparentstalk.com