Promotions can give your company a short-term boost in sales or a long-term path for revenue growth. Each of these promotion and advertising ideas includes a description of the markets in which it works best, a step-by-step outline for executing it, and dozens of helpful do's and don'ts from the businesses that developed them. They range from one-shot weekend events to year-long image-building campaigns.

Corruption at the highest levels, greed in the church and brutality among warring factions make the Congo a very dangerous place for television journalist Valerie Grey. Amid the bloody violence of that country's civil war, Grey uncovers a diamond-smuggling scheme that reaches from the heart of Africa to the White House by way of a famous American televangelist. Her goal: reveal it to the world.

A puppy for Christmas! What could be better? Dan McCoy and his capable wife June find out when Santa gives them a frolicsome hairball named Elf, a Silky Terrier on the Christmas wish list of nefarious dognappers who want to steal him in a murderous scheme to win "Best in Show" at Westminster. Elf foils the plot when he brings Macy's Parade to a tumultuous halt in a comedic Christmas adventure.

To overcome objections, be an ally to your customers, not their adversary. Don't try to prove them wrong for refusing to buy your product, create a way for them to buy it. Don't demonstrate their ignorance, educate them so they can make better-informed decisions. In other words, don't overcome their objections, answer their questions instead. Above all, don't strive to win the argument, concentrate on winning the sale."Objections In Four Steps" takes the salesperson through a revol...

The retail salesperson can sell more by using creative selling methods to present product benefits, overcome objections, and close the sale, but they also face other challenges and opportunities. Determining customer needs is difficult when the customer can just walk away. Building a base of repeat business is tough when the customer initiates most transactions. The store surroundings can help—or hinder—the salesperson's efforts.All of these challenges can be overcome, however, and...

The best and the brightest salespeople don't waste a moment. Even salespeople who lack good presentation skills or some other talent can make up for it by efficiently using their time. And, on the opposite end of the scale, the salesperson who is floundering and failing invariably has problems with time management."Time Management And Sales Priorities" helps the salesperson identify which accounts deserve the greatest amount of time while maintaining good customer relations with al...

You can't spend too much time or effort on good hiring. The alternative is managing the wrong person for the job, which is far more difficult. A good hire rewards you every day you work with them."Five Steps to Hiring Good People – An Overview" takes you through creating a job description, screening applicants, interviewing candidates, testing their skills, and checking references before making a final decision.In five chapters, managers of companies in different industries...

Approach closing opportunities with the idea that every sales call should give the customer yet another reason to do business with you—again. It's a pro-active, pro-customer way to look at your job. When it comes time to ask for the order, it's easy!"Fear Of Closing" takes the mystery out of the process and puts closing the sale into the context of improving your customer relationships."Buying Signals" explains how to recognize buyer behavior that says they're ready to make...

"First Things First For New Hires" explains how to orient, train, and evaluate the new employee during a standard 90-day trial period."Making The Good Great By Training Them" shows how to training can both motivate your staff and maximize their performance.In "Should You Bribe Or Bully Your Team?" several managers tell how they motivate to achieve both long- and short-term objectives."Fire 'Em Up or Fire 'Em?" explores different ways to creating an efficient, produc...

Communication with customers and prospects keeps your business on the growth track. There are numerous ways to convey your company's message beyond traditional advertising."Tune Up Your Publicity Machine" covers the basics of public relations like how to prepare an effective press release and make it appeal to editors as well as where to look in your business for newsworthy topics."Case Study: Automotive Aftermarket" tells how custom car shops use shows and events to public...

Repeat sales are generally more profitable than new ones, so smart companies work hard to build a base of satisfied customers. This handbook uses real-world examples to give you dozens of ideas for making your customers want to come back again."Seven Ways To Wow Your Customers" describes how little surprises can create a warm spot for your business in the customer's heart."Case Study: Selling to Off-Roaders" explains how knowing your customers pays off, especially in specia...

"Trade Show Exhibition For Fun And Profit" explains how to choose the best shows for your company, how to prepare and operate an effective exhibit or booth, and follow-up on the opportunities you'll create by marketing at a trade show."Getting The Most Out Of Attending Trade Shows" details the best way to manage your time and maximize the return on your costs of attending a show."Trade Show Seller Secrets" gives you a look into the exhibitor's sales practices. Learn how to ...