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How to Sell Yourself & Your Business

Quick question: where in your business do you need assistance? Sales? Writing business proposals? In this week's newsletter, we focus on exactly that. But we also want you to send us a message and share where else we can help. Email us or connect with us on social media or our SME SA Forum. In this week’s newsletter:- Mistakes to Avoid when Working on Business Proposals- Sales Tips and Advice on Presentation Skills- Secrets to Delivering a Killer Pitch- Township Business Ideas

Stay safe and healthy!

Quote of the Week“We need to get out of the habit of waiting for the big event to get skilled in the art.” - Richard Mulholland

Secrets to Delivering a Killer Pitch

Selebogo Molefe, known as DrLifesgud and the brains behind The Hookup Dinner (THUD), shares the do’s and don’ts of pitching. Here is some of his don’ts: 

“Don’t sell”

– People are looking to hear the reasons why you came out with a particular solution, don’t sell the solution.

“Don’t deliver the same pitch to everyone”

– Adjust your pitch to suit the audience, whether it’s a potential investor, collaborator or client. Find out what to do instead - here.

Mistakes to Avoid When Working on Your Next Business Proposal

Entrepreneurs write proposals to attract customers, investors and other stakeholders like partners. Marang Marekimane, founder: Of business Process Mechanics, shares the do's and don'ts of writing business proposals. What not to do

While you may be tempted to speak about your passion for this business, even go as far as calling it “my baby” to win over your audience, there are a few things NOT to include: 

1. The sob story

You would rather people buy from you because there is value, not because they feel guilty. 

2. Casual lingo

Otherwise known as SMS language – often your audience is older than you, but they may now understand the shorthand, emoji etc. When people don’t understand what they are ready for, they cannot relate much less buy into it. 

3. Irrelevant info

All the other projects are not related. This creates confusion, it’s distracting. Here’s what to do instead – read more here.

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#SalesTips & Must-have Presentation Skills

Four entrepreneurs share the presentation skills they swear by, including cutting out jargon, how to use storytelling, and developing the skill to “read the room”. Here’s Why Follow-Ups Should Be Part of Your Sales Strategy

Aaron Beashel of Qwilr writes, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”. He says any seasoned sales pro knows that “the fortune is in the follow-up”. Here are the key reasons why making follow-ups a sales strategy can ultimately boost your close rate. Sales Presentation Skills You Need to Close Deals

Mark Keating, CEO and founder of SalesGuru believes it’s vital that all salespeople follow a sales process that they believe in. Here’s some of his sales advice including how to complete mini closes throughout their pitch.