Latest Reader Poll Results
It’s been a while since I started the last reader poll and it’s time to close this one off. So I asked the question, ‘which of the following direct sales tactics is the most effective?’ with the following options: Face to face, Telesales, Direct mail, Email shots, Other.
It was no surprise to see face to face receive the lion’s share of the votes with 79% of all respondents choosing this option. This was followed in second place by telesales at 14%, which for me has always been a very challenging tactic and I’m sure I’m not alone.
What’s required to make the most from face to face sales then. Well, a good starting point is to ensure you have a set of well designed and branded business cards, much like you can pick up from Moo.com. I run a blogger networking event in London and these cards are an essential ingredient of everyone’s networking tool kit.
For a list of other great sales tips, I recommend heading over to the excellent salesadvicetraining.com blog.
Thanks to all those that took part in the reader poll. The next question is now live in the right hand side bar and asks simply, ‘have you started using any of the following social media tools for marketing your business – blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Del.icio.us, Other?’
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23 Responses to “Latest Reader Poll Results”
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I’m with you on the telesales. It’s kind of hard for me. I have been in sales for years, but mainly face-to-face. I tried telesales, but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t have the gift others had. I didn’t fear the cold calls, but it just didn’t work out for me. What about you? Do you prefer any of the listed or do you have any feedbacks on your experiences?
Beautiful blog, I will try to read all post, see you
Face-to-face will always win, because people like to buy from people. Since the internet has changed selling in most B2B and B2C markets, the effectiveness of the “single” sales tactic is diminishing: Online research is influencing buying decisions to an even greater degree. Coupling this with a face-to-face meeting at the end of the sales process seems to be the most effective in many B2B industries.
Face to face is definitely a win-win way because it’s easier to convince people. However, it is a good idea to combine this with some other methods to achieve the best result possible.
I agree that face to face is a great way to make business, since customers could interact personally. But of course, you have to implement other methods to make ore sales.
Face to face is easier and better as you get instant results and you are not cheated. Even if it is a ‘no’, you know it immediately.
This face to face policy is great to win any situation and can be helpful in some way. Great work.
I found that if I could get people on the ‘phone, I could usually land a sale. Having a product you really believe in is essential, and so is telling the truth about it.
Coupling this with a face-to-face meeting at the end of the sales process seems to be the most effective in many B2B industries.
I think there’s little doubt that face-to-face selling is the most effective in terms of generating a sale, although for many businesses it’s not a viable option. Telesales must be effective for many businesses as it’s so prevalent but like you I’ve always found it a challenge.
There is little doubt why face to face communication is preferred by most. In many cases I have found that customers like to have the option of face to face intercation even if they choose not to intially. The ability to have a facte to face conversation if required adds to the accountability and trust. It is for this reason that often businesses will go for local or even national firms in many cases as opposed to an fully offshore organisation without any local presence. This can be true even if no physical meeting actually takes place.
Your article is much more informatics for all of the visitor. I am very happy to read it. Thank you for share with us…
perhaps a better question would be ‘which method is most efficient’. i know the conversion rate for face to face may be higher, but if telemarketing can pump out X amount more sales per day, then face to face may not be the best option.
-jack
Speaking as someone who used to sell products on the street ( a very long time ago ), I’ll take my chances with online sales pitches, thanks!
There is little doubt why face to face communication is preferred by most. In many cases I have found that customers like to have the option of face to face interaction even if they choose not to initially. The ability to have a face to face conversation if required adds to the accountability and trust.
Hi Eco friendly products. Face to face is the most effective in my eyes, but I agree with @Marketing Tools for Consultants, @Roger Hamilton and several other commenters in that a mixed bag approach of using several sales tactics is the best bet. As with any marketing campaign, multilevel is best.
Thanks @Seattle ratings, indeed the question which method is most efficient is a good one. Certainly I’d imagine you would get a higher conversion rate from face to face sales, than telesales.
I too used to sell products on the street @Gaming You Tube, well door to door at least. Possibly the hardest work I’ve ever done.
I certainly agree with you @Niccolo Svengali, it is really important to have a product you believe in! I kinow from experience that if you try to sell a product you wouldn’t buy yourself, you’re in for a very hard time.
Thanks all for your fantastic comments. Andy
Hi there,
One of the reasons why using the phone is perceived by salespeople to be more difficult is that many companies teach salespeople to call using ineffective techniques. This quickly becomes a soul destroying exercise.In a B2B environment, the key to successful calling is good planning and research.In terms of which sales approach works best, the first consideration should always be the product and cost per sale.
Telesales can be a very cost effective way to sell in that you can quickly reach lots of prospects but is limited in terms of what can sold.
Face to face(meetings) has more associated costs but is more suitable for complex high value products. Salespeople who sell this way also need good telephone skills as most meetings will initially set up using the phone.
If a product can on average be successfully sold to a new customer over the phone, then generally I would advise that telesales is the way to go, perhaps with a face to face customer service meet once or twice a year.
keep up the good work,
Niall
Interesting.I agree with you .Face to face is better and easier to get instant results.The article is much more informative to all the visitors.Thank you for sharing this.
i would have voted for ‘face to face’ too, to some sales reps, it’s become an art… quite difficult to be good at but the most effective i think…
How many poll reader you have? Are they really effective?
ofcourse its face to face, you can use non verbal techniques to make sales or whatever you offer online
The ability to have a fact to face conversation if required adds to the accountability and trust. It is for this reason that often businesses will go for local or even national firms in many cases as opposed to an fully offshore organization without any local presence.
Coupling this with a face-to-face meeting at the end of the sales process seems to be the most effective in many B2B industries.