Meeting Sales Quota When No One is Buying

Client:  US Website
Label:  Ghostwriting (no byline)

In business, even when a product or service is remarkably good, there will come a time when your customers will refuse to buy due to financial constraints.  This difficult time is often described simply as the “Slow Months.”  This factor adds to the challenge of meeting the monthly sales quota.  Don’t be discouraged.  Even the big boys in the business league are affected by the slow months.  Here are a few tips on how to meet your sales quota in difficult times:

Retrace your steps.
This “Slow Month” phenomenon happens every single year.  Think back on the last year and recall what you did to survive.  Whether you made small but relevant investments that made more money or made a few changes in your business plan, think of a tried-and-tested strategy that has helped you in the past.  If it worked before, it might work again.

Make active investments.
During slow months, most businessmen refuse to invest in marketing and advertising.  Afte all, even below-the-line advertising costs a lot of money.  However, getting out there is the only way to create buzz that will generate interest and lead to new customers who will buy your products and avail your services.  Small advertising investments like inexpensive posters and signage are wise and active investments because they are able to reach new customers.

Ask for New Ideas
Little do you know, but your own employees may just have the best single idea that can turn around not only your sales figure for these slow months but also in the long run.  Don’t hesitate to ask for their help in creating sales strategies that can help generate income.  Apart from acquiring new business ideas, you also get to motivate your own people by making them feel that they are a part of the big picture.  Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

Set Daily Goals
Just looking at your monthly sales quota every day and realizing how much you still lack can give you a headache like no other.  Moreover, the negative aura you generate add to the strain of your job.  Besides, unless you hit a gold mine, you can’t reach your monthly sales quota in one day and in one sitting.  So why fuss over it, anyway?  Instead of torturing yourself with your monthly sales figures, why not work on a daily set of goals?  It could be as simple as calling and following up as many sales leads as possible or planning a new sales strategy.  At least you are doing something productive other than nursing a massive headache.

Generate More Customers through Networking
During the idle days when customers don’t come, why not build your own network in the meantime?  According to surveys, every type of business tends to lose at least 30% of their customers annually.  In order to survive in the industry, you need to find a way to make up for the 30% loss.  Either you reach out to new customers or network your way to them, the important thing is to build your reputation as an expert in the field, meet your colleagues, and build a steady network of people that can provide new sales opportunities.