Here is my weekly Business Growth Round Up. Each week, I like to share what I am reading and what is trending with some of today’s true thought leaders and business growth experts. Here’s is who I am following this week, and their most innovative and insightful articles – Enjoy!
Beware The Rise Of The Instant Expert
Miles Austin
I find this article interesting because, of course, I do believe that in sales we must prove to our customers that we are an expert; that’s how we build trust and build our relationships. However, this article examines the flip side of that. What happens when people claim to be experts but aren’t able to back up those claims? That’s when it makes it more difficult for all of us. Thanks to Miles Austin for an interesting and insightful read.
Mid-Year Sales Check-Up: Ready or Not, It’s Time
Nancy Bleeke
In this article, Nancy Bleeke prompts us to review our 2015 goals now. It’s hard to believe that we’re now half way through the year, and this article is a helpful reminder that we should be checking, comparing, and course-correcting benchmarks. Nancy’s advice is to Review, Renew, Revise, Replace. True business growth comes from careful planning and taking the time to sit down and analyze your business. She makes helpful suggestions and the entire article is a timely reminder that I encourage you to check out and put into action.
Secrets to Managing Your Sales Career
Brian Burns
Check out Brian’s podcast via the link above or on iTunes. Brian has a lot of really interesting business growth insights to share, and 
this week’s topic is all about getting into sales, or getting a better sales position for those who already in sales. What I find really interesting is how Brian talks about how the really best sales people tend to become entrepreneurs and why; that slippery slope that sales people have to climb. He looks at how customers easily forget the value of a service and how the best sales people maintain relationships with their customers so that they don’t have a chance to forget that value. A really good listen.
7 Reasons Why Social Media Is so Important for Your Business
Matthew Cook
This is an important article because no matter how much some people hear about the importance of social media for business, I continue to meet people who ignore what they consider to be the “buzz” around social media and simply write it off as unimportant. That attitude can cost you big time! People in sales, of all people, should understand how vital it is to stay with the times. It’s time to move your company into the 21st century. Social media needs to be a part of your digital marketing mix. You cannot grow your business to its full potential without it! Social media has proven results; it creates brand awareness, gains trust and credibility (something I’m always talking about) creates a direct link between you and your customers, and it’s cost effective. Don’t go the way of the dinosaurs like Kodak when they ignored the digital camera. If you are at all skeptical about social media for business, read this article.
