5 Digital Sales Tools Every Salesperson Can Leverage
by Paul Espinosa
National Account Manager, The Brooks Group
Notice how the title is not "Sell Smarter, not Harder," - that is by design.
Knowing which digital sales tools can best assist you in leveraging your
business can be difficult because there are so many different tools in the
marketplace. In fact, a simple Google search on "Digital Sales Tools" returns
over 35 million different entries! To help get you started in the right
direction, I thought I would share five sales tools that can be easily
implemented as well as provide valuable information or increased efficiency.
1. PowerSell from ZoomInfo.com
Recently, I was introduced to PowerSell from ZoomInfo.com. PowerSell is a
pay service similar to Hoovers and other information gathering resources (but
less expensive overall). The difference is that information is gathered at the
company level, as well as the person/contact level.
I asked the presenter to look up a prospect I am currently working on a
proposal for, and the information that was displayed on this site showed me a
great deal more about my prospect than what I already knew. I discovered my
contact was very interested in nature and preservation and involved in their
church. While it also discovered items I may have found by performing my own
Google search, the service took things a step further by allowing me to see
everything in one place. It was also accurate information that I was not able to
see on Facebook or LinkedIn. This product will help you sell more and save you
time.
2. IGo
The IGo system of power management is a great discovery for the salesperson
who is always on the go with cars, hotels and airports. One plug allows you to
charge two things simultaneously.This lightens the load of your briefcase by
eliminating the need to bring additional power supplies for your laptop, PDA,
iPod, GPS or anything else electronic that you may have. Some models of the IGo
even come with Auto and Airplane adaptors so you can charge your laptop in the
car or plane on those long trips.
3. Digital Voice Recorder
One item that I never leave for business trips without is my digital voice
recorder. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to jot down information
and continue to drive safely on the road. I use a small DVR, and when needed I
press a single record button and lay the recorder down while I drive. Then I can
simply play back my notes later when I am at a desk or settled situation and
take the necessary action.
Another side benefit is being able to save those voice files onto your computer
for long-term storage and later reference. Some cell phones and PDA phones are
now equipped with this type of DVR feature as well.
4. LinkedIn
If you are a professional in any industry in today's marketplace, you should be
actively using LinkedIn. It is an online professional networking site where you
can host your business information and connect with other professionals. You are
able to join discussion groups, share leads and network with people across the
globe. I have discovered that it is a wonderful way of generating interest in
blogs and events you may be engaged in. It is also an excellent platform for
staying connected with old coworkers, past clients and business partners.
5. You
Lastly, the most important thing to remember when beginning to leverage new
technology is not to let it leverage you! While there are hundreds of thousands
of different digital tools you can take part in or purchase, the bottom line is
that you must always remain true to yourself and use only those tools which make
your job easier - not more complicated!
Copyright 2009, The Brooks Group.
The Brooks Group is an international sales training and
business growth firm based in Greensboro NC. For more information visit www.thebrooksgroup.com
or call 800-633-7762. |
