VARs: 5 Steps to Selling New Products, Services to Customers

sales-tips

… they include:

1. Work with the vendor to create the appropriate messaging for each list

Make sure you understand the messaging and key benefits of the product. Attend any webinar, meeting or conference you can that will present information regarding this new product. Often times the vendor provides tips for positioning the product in different verticals and discusses how the product can solve major pain points for your clients. Those discussions are great opportunities to ask questions and see the product in action, often well before it is released.

2. Assess the needs of current clients

Ask yourself how the new product will benefit your clients. Hopefully, the vendor has asked for partner input into their product roadmap so you were already aware the product was in development and you can start the process of identifying potential customer benefits. Also, if you’ve attended the seminars and talks regarding the new products you will be more prepared to take this step.

3. Create a list of customers who may be interested in this product

Now, decide which of your clients will (1) most likely benefit from using this new product and (2) most readily understand the product’s benefits. Only the VAR, who has built a relationship with the client, can identify these first-mover organizations. Create a list of all the clients that may be interested in the new product, rating each based on how receptive you believe they will be to the product. This will give you a tiered approach as you pursue primary, secondary and perhaps even tertiary sales targets.

4. Communicate the message to your clients

As a VAR your most important resource is your relationship with your clients. As such you probably have multiple vehicles for communicating to your customer base. Newsletters and email campaigns are great ways to introduce a new product or concept. Use these resources to invite customers to a webinar or information session of your own where you can discuss the product in more depth.

5. Follow up

Finally, be sure to follow up with your customers via phone to make sure they are aware of the product. Let them know you why you thought this product would help their company specifically. Then offer a demonstration or free evaluation. And of course, follow up using a variety of methods so you are sure to get in touch with your audience. Use the phone, email and any other communication method you have.

Bob Darabant VP Americas