Resources for Smoother Sailing


Here at SalesAhoy, when we discover a service or product we think stands out from the crowd, can make real difference to your sales and marketing effort, and is excellent value for money - we're pleased to recommend it.

Sales newsletters we actually read!
This newsletter is consistently good. Easy to read, usually a good story and a fast way to reflect on our sales approach and resolve to make changes. A wide range of authors, so the message always feels fresh.
This often has questions posed from readers, which makes it full of practical advice. The author, Shamus Brown writes all the articles, so the content is always fresh and unique. You'll find a complete archive of dozens of newsletter back issues that you can read online at this site. Highly recommended.

Tools to save time and gain insight
ClickTracks displays website visitor behaviour directly on the pages of your website. So that means you'll see what prospects are responding to. If you are also responsible for marketing or if you work closely with your marketing colleagues -take a close look at this.
IndexTools Statistics is a leading ASP based web traffic analysis solution designed to help you make important decisions about your site. Monitor the traffic of your web site, track online behavior, measure conversion ratio and profile your visitors.
MyWorkTools.com is for the people who really get the job done - the employees and managers on the front lines making business happen everyday. Spreadsheets, boiler plates, forms & templates for just about anything. This is an excellent site for you if you don't like the feeling of staring at an empty spreadsheet or document!
The leaders in sales proposals. If you'd rather close the deal in person with a handshake then spend hours in front of a computer trying to write a proposal this site is for you.
GoToMyPC allows you to remotely access your computer from any other Internet-connected computer in the world with almost any operating system through a secure, private connection - free trial available.

Tools to help you sell
WebHost4Life is a reliable, low cost web site hosting alternative. They will even allow you to build ecommerce and database driven web sites - all from as little as $4.95 per month.
Constant Roving is an excellent email marketing tool that allows you to build and manage your permission-based email lists, create great looking HTML newsletters and promotions, and track your results with extensive reporting features - starts from $10 per month, free trial available.
Topica Email Publisher is the leading self-service email newsletter publishing service. It's an easy and most affordable way to publish professional, great-looking newsletters and marketing campaigns that really bring results.
Every domain name, web site address, and email address on the Internet requires Domain Name Service (DNS) to make it work. easyDNS specializes in providing reliable DNS service for all .com, .net, .org, and country-level Internet domains and putting you in the driver's seat with powerful yet easy-to-use domain management tools.

Books we like
Neil Rackham's book is essential reading. Practical and powerful ways to take your sales to the next level. SPIN Selling is the result of extensive observation and analysis of sales calls and unlike many books about "sales techniques" is about how to help you and your customer understand their own needs in order to buy. If you are selling a complex or high value product, this book will help. It's number on our list.
Another excellent resource if you are selling to more than one person, or are handling complex sales. The methodology is about sales strategy, but the book is very practical with a step by step guide to follow.
Lots of common sense here! Jeffrey J. Fox has created a short read, with simple messages about how to get and keep customers. Perfect if you are just starting out in sales.
Stephan Schiffman has written a number of excellent training guides. This one covers how to reach decision-makers, make appointments, and make your pitch. If you find the idea of cold calling a little gruesome, this could give you the edge you've been looking for!
Interested in getting the attention of the real decision makers? Full of real life techniques, this book will show you how to write powerful sales letters and what to say on the phone call to get cut -through. It's a very motivating read that will make you want to "get out there and sell!'
Visionary Selling shows you how to sell by aligning your company and product with the broader vision of top management. By identifying the common visions and common ideals you both share, the senior decision maker is more likely to do business with you.

If there are other resources you have come to depend on that other SalesAhoy crew should know about, drop us a line.

 

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