In order for a sales department to be successful, they need a leader. In order for a leader to be successful, they need followers. This is just the way nature works. Think about it, when you see a herd of animals, you'll usually see one in the lead. The two leading voices in marketing are Internet Marketing and Direct Response and they both believe people think in packs. This is very true, which is why it is important for a leader to find his “herd” or “pack”.



The best way to do this is to build it with hard work and good advertising. This may sound simple, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Many sales methods that have proven successful are fairs, expos and community events where your products will be on display. People always enjoy free samples and if they like the product, they will buy it and tell others about it.

People are not going to buy your products from samples alone. Add something extra. Success stories work great for selling. Testimonials about the product as well as success stories involving others will sell more products than free samples. Stories help the customers feel like they know the product or want to know more about it. Facts and statistics about the product may temporarily interest the customer, but stories together with samples will sell it.

If you're new to a company, tell stories from past experience. You need to sound like an authority so the customers will believe what you're saying about the product. If you're sure of yourself, your customers will be sure they're making the right choice in buying from you. You are selling yourself as much as the product. If you are not sure of yourself, you need to take part in some self esteem improvement programs to remedy that situation.

Many successful businesses have become successful by getting followers that believed in them and their product. Many businesses have “parties” to sell their products. One in particular that I've been to many times is a party selling food products. The host not only is an authority on the product, but will make samples of the food at the party, showing the customers that they product is not only delicious but also simple to make.

At almost every food party I've been to, most of the guests purchased food that was on display. They became instant followers of that food product. The host gets credit for other parties that are planned at her party, which increases the following. It all stems from the fact that the host trusted the demonstrator to come into her home and display the products. Because the guests trusted the host and respected the demonstrator's authority and knowledge, they bought the products and became followers.

The same method works in all businesses requiring sales and sales leadership. To make the sales, you have to gain your customer's trust and they'll become followers.