#11/111: Go-Givers Sell More (including a Special)

What is it about?

Bob Burg and John David Mann describe how to change your way of selling. They focus on five laws which are based on giving value first and also to be able to receive value by others.

Key points?

There are five laws: Law of Value (i.e. give value to others), Law of Compensation (reach people and build relationships), Law of Influence (help people to reach their goals), Law of Authenticity (you are your most valuable product) and Law of Receptivity (be open to receive).

Conclusion

This book takes the selling out of sales. It is pretty intuitive: You can’t force an other person into selling your product. The best thing you can do is provide value (e.g. understand their problem, help them to get what they really want) and build a genuine relationship with them. It is not bad if they don’t buy your product. In building this relationship they may recommend you to their friends. Make your opponent feel good.

The other important thing is that doing good and making money aren’t opposites. Chris Guillebeau also emphasized it. And it is true. This is the Law of Receptivity, don’t be inhibited to make sales. Don’t be inhibited to get help from others. Give value, get value!

Special

Hurray the first 10% are done! But I wouldn’t writing this now without you, the people who read this blog, thank you for your precious time. Especially Ahmad Taleb who is promoting this blog on twitter and Mike McGee who effortlessly reblogged a bunch of my posts. Thank you guys, you are awesome!

#7/111: The New Rules of Marketing & PR

What is it about?

In the first half of this book, David Meerman Scott explains different platforms, e.g. blogs, news releases or social networking. In the second half he writes about planning your marketing strategy and tips for execute them on these platforms.

Key points?

Segment your customers. Do not try to sell your product instead try to help your (prospective) customer. Give away valuable content and establish a relationship to your online community.

Conclusion

The first half is not that interesting for people who are not so new to the web. The second half includes some nice ideas. E.g. customer persona, i.e. you take one individual of your market segment and build a story for this individual. Also tips on individual topics like getting press coverage are quite useful.