Bitsy

This coming weekend, Bitsy parent company Enterprise Nation launches StartUp Saturday in 7 Staples stores across the country. It’s a weekly class for anyone looking to start a business and make a living doing what they love. To count us down to launch, we’re posting a new tip for every day of the week.

Thursday: Make your first sale

Achieve a first sale – and many more – by following these steps:

1. Make a list (check it twice): Draw on your existing resources, grab your address book and circle the friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances you think might be interested in your product or service. Add to the list with details of local people and businesses, too.
2. Pitch up: Write to the people on your list and announce your new business venture. Consider this an opportunity to make your pitch, but don’t be too pushy. And remember to address each recipient personally. No one likes a group email!
3. Follow up: Follow up in a few days time, either with another email or, better still, a phone call. Take some soundings as to the success of your pitch and react accordingly. If the potential customer or client sounds keen, go for it! Arrange to meet him or her to show your product or explain more about your service.
4. Meet up: Arrange a time and place to meet that’s convenient for your potential customer or client. Be professional, but also likeable. They’re equally important characteristics when making a sale. If the customer agrees the deal, bring the meeting to a fairly speedy end. Your job is done – for now. It’s time to head home and deliver on the promise you made with your first customer.
5. Make some noise: Once you’ve made your first sale – shout about it! If your new customer or client agrees, include them in a press release or write about them on your website or blog, so other potential customers or clients can see that you’re well and truly in business!

Attend StartUp Saturday to perfect your sales pitch!

If you want to turn a passion, hobby or skill into a way of making a living, or if you just want to brush up on your business skills, book a StartUp Saturday class today. It’s £100 for a course of 12 classes (and that includes a free copy of the StartUp Saturday Workbook), or pop in to a single class and pay just £10. The full schedule of topics is available on the StartUp Saturday website, along with a listing of the 7 launch stores.

Look forward to seeing you at Start Up Saturday!

- Emma Jones
Photo credit: CJ Sorg