Making your first sale

"Dear Busy Girls Guide. I've been working on my business plan for a few months now and feel that I should be going out and actually making some money. I am a bit worried about going out and 'selling'. Can you give me any tips or advice on how to make my first sale, as I've got to start making some money! Thank you for your help!" Virginia, Crewe

Dear Virginia,

I recall an American entrepreneur saying that a business is not a business until it has made its first sale. Of course, the first one is always the hardest! I hope that my article below helps - do let me know how you get on...

Having started & run two companies, I have learned a thing or two about selling. I have done enough & know enough - to have kept my businesses in profit & customers coming back.

Based on this experience, here is the advice I offer to anyone who is about to make their first sale.

1. Make a list

Write down the names & contact details of friends/family/colleagues/contacts who you think would be interested in your product or service.

2. Make your pitch

Contact the people on your list (preferably via email) setting out the benefits to them of buying what you have & the cost involved. End the note by saying "if you don’t mind, I will give you a call in a few days to follow up on this note & explore your interest in this opportunity..." or something similar.

Make the call

Do as you promised & call your contact. If you need to, do some research ahead of time so you know if they have just moved jobs / made an important speech / been in the news etc. This way, you will sound informed. When you make the call, stand up & smile. This will ensure you sound confident, professional & efficient.

Call again

If your contact is not in, agree a time & date to call again & then do so. As you can imagine, they may be top of your priority list as you would like the business but you may not be at the top of theirs! You can't afford to take this personally - just be persistent & if the contact is interested in what you have to offer, your persistence will pay off. If the call leads to a meeting, go in well prepared & be willing to negotiate.

Make some noise

Once you have secured your first sale - with permission from the client - shout about it! Produce a press release or upload the news on your website so others can see that you are now well & truly in business!

Good luck Busy Girl - I hope you have great successes with your first sale - do let me know how you get on blog

Emma Jones is Managing Director of Redbrick Enterprises Ltd & Editor of Enterprise Nation, the home business website.