1. 10 seconds: This is how long it should take you to peak someone’s interest in what you can do for them.
2. Listen twice as often as you speak.
3. Numeric precision on your communications messages greatly increases your credibility and the difference you portray. Example: I can save you $20,000.00 this year!
4. Clarity in your messages (5th grade reading level) increases your odds of selling by 70%.
5. Focus in your messages to one thing increases your odds of selling by 60%. Eliminate the irrelevant.
6. Your image matters, but your overt benefit and how you are dramatically different from your competitors matters the most.
7. If you have dramatic difference from your competition, you have 370% greater odds of success and profitability. Source: Harvard Business Review.
8. Salt and Pepper: If you wanted more customers as a restaurant manager, you would not advertise that you have free salt and pepper. Are you selling salt and pepper?
9. Does everyone in your organization know what to say when asked what you do? These sound bites should be artwork on your walls!
10. Does your business card or resume give the recipient the benefit received when working with you?

For the current business owner who needs to increase sales: