Foundry-Metalcaster UGLY Marketing Newsletter 365501 | Página 4

Peek Into My Library.. I have over 400 books in my library. They are an excellent source for new ideas, for proven techniques, and basics that have been forgotten. Each month I will share one book with some of the high points and the reason it is a staple in my library. I encourage you to buy a copy of each book, and those reading this on the web can click on the book cover and go directly to Amazon to place an order. (Yes, I get a few cents.) HOW I RAISED MYSELF FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS IN SELLING by Frank Bettger. This month’s book is an oldie but a goodie. The first edition was written in 1947! But the points are exceptionally clear and the book easy to read. Surprisingly, even Amazon readers see the value- and they are an exceptionally fussy lot I find. Frank Bettger (pronounced ‘Betcher’), started as a baseball player in the VERY minor leagues in 1907. He recounts being fired from a team where he made $175 and being hired making $25. He learned why (lack of enthusiasm) and vowed to never be in that situation again. Within 10 days he was making $185! He quickly solves his perceived inadequacies and was taken on by the St Louis Cardinals starting at $750! He credits enthusiasm as the primary reason for the change as his baseball abilities were the same. During a game, his arm is permanently injured, ending his career and setting him on a path that led to his eventual calling- selling life insurance. This opening reflection is the model for the book- using short stories to make a much larger point. Frank was a failure in his initial sales position and gave up- only to start finding, through trial and error, the key principles that govern all sales. A random meeting with Dale Carnegie changes his speaking abilities. (He eventually went on lecture tour with Carnegie). In another, he must overcome his fear of meeting ‘big’ or powerful people. Although some of the information is well past dated (finding a haberdasher(??)), the majority of the points are as basic and necessary today as they were 60 years ago. Simple points we rarely consider when we enter the world of sales. Some include -How to Let Customers Help Make the Sale -The Only Way I Could get Myself Organized -The Most Important Word I Have Found In Selling Has Only Three Letters -The Quickest Way I Ever Discovered to Win Confidence Each group of vignettes ends with a very short point summary that could be posted anywhere that motivates you. This is not a chess game teaching book for sales. These are simple and basic techniques that apply to any business and any person who interacts with prospects. In our hurried world, where the speed of the internet has reduced service and customer interface, this is a breath of proverbial fresh air. Imagine the looks you would get from telling someone to SMILE when they meet prospects! They would think you are wacko. But think of the effect of a warm smile with anyone you meet. If you are headed on a short trip, this is a fast read. But the points made are worth thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Well worth the $12 price. Enjoy! “The most helpful and inspiring book on salesmanship that I have ever read.” Dale Carnegie 4 © The UGLY Marketing Newsletter for Foundries/Metal Casters/TheFoundryMarketer 2014. All rights reserved