The marketplace is swamped with high-tech tools that claim to make life easier for salespeople who are constantly on the move. However, with so many options, it can be a little overwhelming trying to pinpoint the best solutions for your selling style. Which tools work best?
You might have heard of mobile, analytics, social, and cloud tech. Not only does technology help streamline business operations, but it also helps with sales and marketing. New technology can give you a strategic presence across a variety of platforms. These technologies give top salespeople the advantage over other professionals and should be made a top priority in the coming year. Here are just a few ways technology will boost sales in 2019 and make you a more productive salesperson.
- Say Hello to Social Networking
Those salespeople who do not capitalize on the connectivity of social media are way behind the times. Social networks like Plaxo and LinkedIn were specifically created for business-minded professionals just like you. Not only do these sites give expert salespeople an outlet to connect with their peers, but they also allow open communication with consumers, potential customers, and other businesses. These platforms help spread the word about your unique solutions and make your brand more personalized. If you are looking to put your network to good use, expand your list of contacts and create opportunities, then leverage social media.
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- Qualifying Prospects
In addition to networking on social media, tech tools will help salespeople get the qualified leads they need. Resources like Lead411 and NetProspex can provide sales with company addresses, business email lists, and phone numbers. Some of the best B2B lead generators are a great solution for all professional salespeople in providing qualified, You new and targeted prospects.
- Prioritizing and Leveraging New Information
As you might guess, there is no shortage of information out there. Most people spend their days tweeting, emailing, posting and sharing—possibly even over-sharing. Most days it seems like a cacophony of howler monkeys barraging you with information. With just a few tech resources you can prioritize this information and easily find the information most relevant to you and your selling style. Evernote, Scoop-it, and Flipboard can help you organize and engage more effectively with your feeds. Not only are the layouts organized and user-friendly but also accessible across computers, phones, and tablets. You can easily stay abreast of updates and get results based on your queries. You can receive alerts if certain prospects, clients or other businesses are in the news.
- Lighten Up
In the field, it is difficult to lug around a heavy laptop. Modern technology now has a solution that will lighten your load while traveling. The tablet is the way to go. Smartphone efficiency is crucial for making deals, reaching out and staying in touch. It is necessary to access emails, check websites and use software applications on the go. Some ultra-mobile tablets include Apple iPad Air, Dell Venue 11 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. These best-of-the-best tablets are easy to use, carry around and prove to be just as powerful as those overweight PCs.
- Forecast Remains Cloudy
Another must-have tool for 2019 is a fast and secure cloud system. With cloud solutions, you can work as a cohesive team, collaborate with customers, develop new and profitable relationships, and support more effective work-flow processes. They are fast and reliable, easily used by new employees and veterans. Sales Cloud, Box, and Okta give team members easy access to applications, documents, and systems anywhere and on any device.
- Old-School Resource with New Technology
Still one of the best resources for many sales professionals is good old-fashioned, person-to-person communication. However, those who suggest “just calling” prospects will be ridiculed. This is no joke. Sometimes, a live conversation is the most effective method for hitting up prospective buyers. The most affordable connectivity options include Skype and ooVoo, allowing salespeople to video chat, instant messages and make Internet calls anytime for FREE. These sites and apps work on computers, tablets, and mobiles, and provide a whole new way of staying in touch.
Author: Usman Raza is the co-founder of Christian Marketing Experts LLC, a marketing consultant at SeedX Inc and working with various brands online. He is devoted to helping small businesses bridge success gaps by providing in-depth, actionable advice on digital marketing, SEO, and small business growth. Follow him on Twitter @usmanintrotech.
