Leave the Hang-Ups To Us

But I Thought the Sky Was Falling

by Amy Keuper, VP Sales

You can’t turn on the computer, TV or radio without hearing Henny Penny’s warnings of doom and gloom.  Almost every news piece bemoans the state of the economy.  Pre-election hype?  Fear-mongering?  Good ratings nonetheless.

Perhaps I am just naïve, but I don’t believe we are entering the next Great Depression.  We might get there eventually, but we are not as close as the media would have us believe. 

We cannot dismiss the genuine suffering that many are experiencing.  However, we can focus on three timeless truths:

1.  An economic downturn doesn’t have to be bad news for absolutely everyone.  Even in the Great Depression someone made money.  Currently, shopping at second-hand stores is up--as are stock prices for discount retailers.  Are you looking to increase sales activity and gain market share or are you resigned that an outgoing tide must lower your boat with all the others? 
   
   

2. We are blessed to live in what is still the greatest nation on earth.  A good idea coupled with the right strategy—executed with hard work--still usually equals success.  Are you listening to positive messages about what is possible for you and your business or are you allowing negativity and paranoia to affect your drive?
   
   
3. A major paradigm shift always represents an opportunity for those willing to see it.  If you make buggy whips and you see that cars are here to stay, you can adjust to meet a new market need or you can go out of business.  Have you taken time to evaluate market shifts and plan necessary adjustments or are you merely hoping your previous success will continue?

Some may be paralyzed with fear--shrinking back and waiting for a safer tomorrow, but you should keep moving forward.  A recent increase in sales inquiries here at Initial Call confirms that many [smart] companies aren’t sitting back and waiting to hear that the waters are safe. 

How to Leave a Voice Mail Message

by April Karli, Corporate Communications

Have you ever thought about leveraging your voicemail messages for maximum sales effectiveness? Recently Ford Harding posted an article called How to Leave a Voicemail Message suggesting ways to leave informative and concise voice mail messages that are likely to be returned. Tips include: state your name first thing in the message, indicate the urgency of your call, provide the core of your message concisely, and consider leaving a personal message at the end. One tip that may surprise you is to leave your phone number at the beginning of the message, immediately after your give your name, rather than the end. Here is a link to the Harding & Company blog where you can find this and many other helpful articles.