I just read this blog post, Can you sell your product using social media networks?

He states, “The Social Media area of the New Media is a listening platform, NOT a selling platform.” I believe that, but so many use it as a broadcast media. A PR machine. That doesn’t work for attention or selling.

Social media works effectively for Customer Care. Ask @XOCare, Comcast, JetBlue, SWAir. Why? Engagement.

Rule number 1 in sales is be Friendly. Make a friend. You can do that online. If you Listen first. Then have a conversation.

“Give generously and people will follow you.” That is the premise of Linchpins by Seth Godin. Be Generous. It’s one way to stand out or become an Expert.

The new sales process involves word-of-mouth, user reviews, online searches, and comparison shopping.

I have seen people test social network responsiveness of companies before buying from them. It’s a whole new world.

It’s definitely easier to sell things like Dell gear, hotel rooms or discounted airfare, than services on social media. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It’s just more challenging.

Seth Godin gives 9 Things about Sales that Marketers need to learn. (And then some lessons on Referrals as well).

These are the notes from Gitomer’s 5.5 Things Sales Professionals Whine About.

If you say you Lost the sale on Price, what you are really saying is that you did not establish your Value. Without Value, it comes down to Price only. Remind yourself What is your USP?

If you can’t get an appointment, it’s because you are boring and sound like everyone else. Have fun. Be more interesting. Be Creative.

Are you Engaging the Prospects? What kinds of Questions do you ask? Do any of your questions make the prospect thing differently?

Voicemail sucks doesn’t it? And you can’t get calls returned, huh? Why? You don’t give them any reason to call you back. Be Creative. Be Different. Intrigue them. Be funny.

What makes me laugh is the “I don’t have enough time to ….” Time Management is everyone’s Achilles Heel, but you have to do what is important, not urgent. Pre-call preparation is important. Dialing and Smiling works better with a little research. We have this thing called Google that holds a boatload of info about your prospective company.

At the end of the day, Action, Hard work, Creativity, and Preparation will help you succeed. Remember to Work the Process.