Category Archives: Marketing and Sales

When a Salesman isn’t a Salesman

A business owner decides to beef up his company’s sales talent. He forks out a hefty salary for a “proven performer” from another industry; then…nothing. The salesman (or woman) is glib, professional and hard working. The owner devotes more resources … Continue reading

Posted in Management, Marketing and Sales | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Tyranny of The Bad Customer

“The customer is always right,” or at least that’s what most business owners profess to their employees. We post it for all to see. “Customer satisfaction is job one.” “Our boss is the customer.” The most important person in our … Continue reading

Posted in Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Sales | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Can You Outgrow Customers?

When you start a company, it’s like shopping at the supermarket when you are very hungry. Everything looks good. Any suspect might be a prospect. Any prospect is worth pursuing, and your ideal customer is anyone who is willing to pay you for … Continue reading

Posted in Marketing and Sales | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Size Means Nothing on the Web

A small manufacturer hires a local web development firm, and spends six months reworking his website. He agonizes over every word of the copy. He writes up product descriptions, detailing materials and tolerances. He adds page after page to the … Continue reading

Posted in Marketing and Sales | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Small Business and Social Media II

Last week’s column generated lots of comments, and probably requires some follow up. First, the army of social media fanatics that go ballistic at any hint that SM isn’t the be-all, end-all and answer-from-above for every marketing need on the planet … Continue reading

Posted in Marketing and Sales, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment