Social Networks are places where people congregate; making them great sources of Market Research and Revenue. As a result, Social networks are looking for new revenue streams. The latest revenue channel for them is E-commerce.

Facebook is partnering with Shopify to launch Facebook shops. The social network is the latest to get in on the E-Commerce business.

Last year at SMX East, Google and YouTube shared how they are allowing people to shop online for products. Google also shared people’s buying behavior. I have included parts of the article below.

In Google’s Keynote, I learned how businesses can get an edge during the holidays. I also learned of Google’s plan to use Google Images and YouTube for E-Commerce. Google is also allowing businesses to use location-based Ads in Google Maps.

The key insights of the presentation were:

1. According to Google most shopping visits start online.

2. When diners search for a great place to eat the searches are probably happening on a smartphone.

3. When people are online in cars, more than half of them are searching for information on a mobile device making localization and targeting important.

4. 2/3’s of shoppers say that online video has given them insight and inspiration to make purchases.

5. Shoppers use at least 3 channels or more when shopping.

6. Brands need to provide an omnichannel channel experience all year, especially during the holidays.

7. Sales are happening online and offline. As a result of this shift, Brands need to serve customers on the channels of their choice.

Would you shop on a Social Network? Share your thoughts.

Sales has taught me to:

1.To go after what I want in life. Ask for the order if you will.

2. To stand tall in the face of rejection and negativity.

3. To look at rejection as a learning experience instead of a defeat.

4. To understand Customer needs. (Objections vs Stalls). (Buyer Motives)

5. To persist through obstacles and not to quit!

6. To examine and understand how a business operates.

Every person should try selling products at least once in their lives. It is a valuable learning experience.

Before my time as a Marketer, I worked as an Outside Sales Rep in the Dental Industry in Manhattan.

Field Sales/Field Marketing has taught me so much about myself.

What did selling teach you?

Comment and share.

What You Don’t Think about when you Start in Outside Sales-Sales Logistics

Before you start selling, you need to do sales planning. This includes market research, understanding territory geography, and product knowledge and objection handling through sales training.

Here is what you don’t think of. 

How long will your sales process take? 

How long will each sales call last? 

How long does it take to go from one appointment to another? Mapping can help, but you won’t know until you do it regularly. Knowing how often to call on prospects and customers to be top of mind, without irritating them, because everyone is different. 

How cold calls on prospects will go. 

Cold calls are a great way to hone your objection-handling skills and gain new business.

The emotional roller coaster of the highs of making the sale, mixed with the depths of being rejected. 

The uncertainty of how much you will earn for your efforts. 

If you are truly cut out for a career in Sales. 

That you are not alone, even though you are in the field by yourself. 

Where to find a bathroom you can use in relation to your location. 

Dealing with the weather.

Sales can teach you a lot about business and enable you to earn a great living, but it is not for everyone. Everyone should try sales at least once in their career. 

What surprised you when you started in Outside Sales?

Share your thoughts in the comments.