Background: I'm an engineer and a co-founder of a website, so no sales experience. We're in private beta now and we're reaching out to a few companies in order to gauge interest and possibly have them use our platform. It's in the hiring space (I can't say much more than that for now). I'm going to be going to companies and demo'ing our product. We have very limited funding, so no dedicated salesperson. Of course, I've been reading up on how to do sales (i.e. like ask questions and found out what they need). So... is there some advice anyone can give me on salesmanship? btw, if this takes off (and yes, I know the odds are slim), cf is getting a fat check.
Companies like to feel "special". Have them agree to beta test your product for feedback, for special consideration when the product goes live. Choose wisely. The companies that test your product become your Testimonials.
Aggressive sales would suggest you need to make a need for your product. Make them feel like they need to have your product or they can't function as well If at all. Passive sales would suggest your product would sell itself and you're just there to answer questions. All depends on your product and what you need done. If I were starting off, I'd start aggressive since you're low on funds and cannot just sit around and wait.
Good luck to you. I love to see clutchfans doing something with themselves. I wish you all the best with this new business.
Obviously knowing your product is #1, but you have to make a connection with them. It's cliche, but when I deal with my clients and I know nothing personal about them, I make sure I know the weather where they are. "Wow Susan, I'm surprised you made it in today since I saw Chicago was under blizzard like conditions...no way this Texas boy would've made it out of the house!" They eat that **** up. One of my client contacts is a Ravens season ticket holder as well as a huge Orioles fan. I know way more about either of those teams than I ever wanted to, but the client loves me. It matters when you show genuine care for them and it makes selling to them easier too. Good luck!!
Sort of what Rocket said. Find the decision maker, and make a connection. The product is important, but to get a company with you for life you need the relationship to transcend past the product.
There's just 5 right now, through personal networking channels. We'll be receiving revenue through candidate sourcing... i.e. free until you hire someone. We have some innovated ideas/tech. I will use you guys as traction once we officially release
