It’s true. I’ve developed a Sales Crush and I can’t help it! This Sales Crush is on a sales person I met the week before my wedding date of 9-10-11 as I entered into her store in last-minute search for “the dress” for my rehearsal dinner. Initially we bonded and I knew I made a new friend, however I had no idea the MAD SKILLS possessed by this fellow sales chick. We come from 2 totally separate industries but with every encounter with my Sales Crush, I learn a new sales strategy to take back and try for myself.
MEET MY SALES CRUSH: Mari
Mari is the epitome of Peace Love Sales. She separates herself with her everlasting energy, down-to-earth yet incredibly stylish vibe, and personal follow-ups. I found “the dress” for the rehearsal dinner, bought it from Mari and she called me on my wedding day just to wish me good luck. What sales rep does that? Mari sent me a gift certificate after my first purchase and invited me to special events at her store. Mari sent me the most funky hand-written Happy New Year card, which has been 1 of the 4 I have received from her “just because.” Mari put a PowerPoint together of her top 10 Wish List items from her store just to get my feedback. I am no where near Mari’s top customer but she makes me feel like #1.
Let’s get up close and personal with this bad ass sales chick and find out a few of her tricks!
1. What does it take to separate yourself as a sales chick in your store?
I have been doing this for 12 years this year and the biggest thing I have learned over time it I am always myself and Real with everyone I come into contact with. The best part of my job is meeting new people and getting to know all about them. I find out the most important things about people lives and I am able to relate to them that way. Almost every interaction I have had working in retail I was able build a long lasting friendship with my clients.
I have been doing this for 12 years this year and the biggest thing I have learned over time it I am always myself and Real with everyone I come into contact with. The best part of my job is meeting new people and getting to know all about them. I find out the most important things about people lives and I am able to relate to them that way. Almost every interaction I have had working in retail I was able build a long lasting friendship with my clients.
2. What do you suggest a couple good strategies are for those getting started in sales?
Get to know who your customer is and what can you do to separate yourself from every other sales associate in the store. What do you have to offer that others don’t? For me its my personality, I follow up with customers not just to make a sale but to find out how everything worked out, how the event went, whats next on the calendar, etc. Know your business the more confidence you have in yourself the more confidence you will have in selling.
Get to know who your customer is and what can you do to separate yourself from every other sales associate in the store. What do you have to offer that others don’t? For me its my personality, I follow up with customers not just to make a sale but to find out how everything worked out, how the event went, whats next on the calendar, etc. Know your business the more confidence you have in yourself the more confidence you will have in selling.
3. When did your unique selling skills pay off and earn a big new client relationship?
I won’t lie it takes time and energy to build relationship with people. It took me a good 6 months to build client relationships learning about their favorite things, places, vacations, birthdays, about their families, once all of this was established I build a new friendship and they always come back and appreciate me for me and all that I do for them. It isn’t always about selling people something but building something much bigger. No matter where I go or what I do the relationships I have build follow me EVERYWHERE!!
If you are looking for the best quality, stylish gear and want HONEST advice from this cool saleschick, go visit Mari at the Intermix store on Armitage. She will hook you up!
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