Your Automated Sales Force

Ever wish you could hire a team of savvy sales people to stay in touch with your prospective clients and encourage them to buy?

One way to do this is to join a local chapter of BNI – Business Networking International. I am the VIce President of my local chapter. We meet every Tuesday morning at 7 am for an hour and a half. The other members are like my sales team that refer clients to me.

Another way to do this is to put a few simple systems in place so you can easily replace an expensive sales force with automated tools that allow you to keep your products and services in front of potential clients. You’ll not only make more money, but you’ll do it completely hands free. All that’s required is a little forethought.

Your first must-have tool? An autoresponder. Simply put, an autoresponder is a series of emails that go out on a pre-determined schedule. They’re written to engage your audience and pull readers further into your funnel.

Typically, an autoresponder series will have at least seven emails in it, and is used as a lead generating tool. You offer an opt-in on your website with (for example) “weekly tips to stay productive during the dog days of summer” or “daily motivation for busy mompreneurs.” When your reader fills out the form, she’s automatically added to your autoresponder list, and you have her attention with every email.

The key though, is to write your series with specific calls to action. It’s not enough to just give her tips for being more productive. You have to also give her the opportunity to buy your products or services.

Done right, your autoresponder can help keep the cash flowing, even when business is down.

The fastest way to get your autoresponder up and running is to use a tried and true email provider such as Constant Contact. It’s simple to set up, and extremely affordable. Plus, you’ll find many VAs who are experienced with it and can help you out if you get stuck.

For the content, look back over your most popular blog posts and products. Posts can be repurposed to provide valuable content to your subscribers, with a natural upsell to matching products or services.

In addition, think about the questions you’re most frequently asked, what conversations pop up again and again, and what your social connections and competitors are discussing. These nuggets are the building blocks of a compelling autoresponder series that your readers will not only look for, but actually read. And if they’re reading, they will eventually buy.

As they move through your series, you want to keep in mind that subsequent offers should be more and more valuable, with the occasional low-priced offer thrown in.

One last tip – don’t be scared of emailing people on your list – they have already raised their hand and said, “Yes! I want to hear what you have to say!”

Do you have any automation like this in place? Leave a comment below and share what you are doing.