Top Tip for 2010 — and it’s free!

Here’s a marketing and PR tip for 2010 – only one…can you believe it?  No list of Top 10 things for the new year here. Just one very simple reminder for all of us who work hard, day after day, to make the noise our brands need in the marketplace.

We’re busy writing content (which I think will occupy much of our time in 2010!), designing new web and micro sites, and placing stories about our clients’ products and services. We’re busy every day creating good buzz for our clients. I characterize the objective of such buzz as “warming up the atmosphere” in which our clients conduct their business. In other words, if they sell more of their stuff, their businesses will be healthy, employees and shareholders will be happy, and everyone will win. It’s business success for all.

Which leads me to my one tip for today – and in the spirit of continued uncertainty in the new year – this one will cost you nothing. It’s called listening to your sales people.

Think about it – everything you’re doing is to help these guys (and gals) sell something. They operate within that “warm environment” you’re creating. They are sharing your content, handing out your brochures, shaking hands at a trade show at which you’ve been driving traffic.

Yet when was the last time you asked your salespeople how all this is working? What’s easy to use? What is useless? What is resonating with customers? What is falling on deaf ears? What is the next best tool they need in their tool belt to get the job done? Can you build it?

If you’ve haven’t talked one-on-one with one of your salespeople lately, early in the year is a perfect time to do it. We’re moving into trade show season – why not shadow one of them for a day? Salespeople are probably checking up on their customers now that everyone is back from vacation – why not listen in on the conversation to see what obstacles they are up against? And if you’re a marketing person who hasn’t been invited lately to a sales meeting, buy yourself a ticket and ask to stand in the back of the room to hear more about their plans for the new year.

It’s easy, free and simple. It’s real time and it’s research, and it can be your best measurement tool.

Resolve to spend more time with those important to everyone’s success in 2010 – your sales team.