Neil Patel would tell you himself that, when it comes to making a sale, he's best when he works with businesses. Maybe he wouldn't make the best door-to-door salesman but he is great at being successful. He must be doing something right. He's been named a top 100 blogger by TEchnocrati as well as a top web influencer by The Wall Street Journal. He's worked with companies like General Motors, Viacom and AOL applying the same practices that's made him a huge success. But Neil will tell you that it's not that difficult and there are some really important things that every business should be employing in their arsenal of tactics. Below is a list of a few steps, by Patel, that has made him successful both presently and with past ventures, like KISSmetrics.
According to Neil, the first step in business is creating lasting bonds. Most people like doing business with someone that they are able to relate to. This is crucial when it comes time for someone to invest in either you or your idea. Investors are much more likely to help you out if they like you and creating a bond with them is the first step. It's not about manipulating someone. It's about actually caring about the people that you're doing business with because, if you invest in the right people, you'll never go wrong.
It's important to approach every business deal with a level of logic. It's all about money anyway and if you can find a way to save a business thousand of dollars and get the same results, then it's best to not sweat over a little money if you're going to create a long-term client. Patel says that he always backs up what he has to say with logic and figures. When saying he outperforms this competition, he gives evidence to the argument.
It's important to change a client's mood. Not their mind. Though logic is wonderful, people are emotional creaturds and often make their decisions on emotional factors. So instead of trying to change your client's mind, think about ways you can change their mood. This is where all of these tips go hand in hand because to change a client's mood then you have to know them on a personal level enough to the point that you'll know what they want. Whether it's tickets to a concert or simply hanging out.
Once you've set all of these things in motion it's beneficial to close a deal by creating a sense of urgency. It doesn't have to be a fever pitch situation but hinting around that another party might be interested is a good way to get them playing on your side. Playing on the idea of supply and demand is always a good way to go and it plays to their sense of logic and emotion. At this point, Neil points out that it is sometimes beneficial to turn the tables. For most of a deal, you're the one pitching to the client, but if you turn the tables you might find that they're the ones pitching to you. You might even be able to get a better percentage or figure out of the deal.
It's these same approaches that have made Neil such a success. Patel isn't shy about his fortune and admits that he's been an entrepreneur practically his entire life. From his past endeavors to some of his present, like OnlinePokerLowdown.com, he has made it a habit of approaching every situation like a business. No matter what your company size or revenue, if you have the right approach, then you'll be successful.
