Thursday, November 05, 2009

5 Rules For Selling To the Rich

In sales the whale is the dream client for anyone. A whale is the biggest being in the sea, and for sales pros they are the biggest and best clients. Many people have absolutely no idea how to interact, or even sell to the rich. Why? Well most of them aren't exceedingly rich, or successful, so they don't know how to relate, or what a very successful person has to deal with on a day to day basis. So figuring out some proper actions just to make yourself look like you know what you are doing is a big deal. I'm not talking about having a bunch of modern furniture in a big time office, but how you set up and conduct yourself when you meet with them.

Here are 5 basic rules to selling to the rich that you shoould know, and follow like your sale depends on it. It really does depend on it.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

The Big Business of Halloween

Ever think to yourself when you pass one of those costume mega stores: "How the heck do they make any money if they are always open?" The funny thing, is if you are a bit like me, I actually don't really even pay attention to these stores except around Halloween so I didn't realize tha many of the mega-Halloween stores aren't actually open all year. Many have in recent years taken to opening a store on a 2-3 month lease. Starting in September, virtually disappearing a few days after Halloween.

These stores have figured out how to use the season to the most profitable, while keeping the costs of running the business a minimalistic approach by jsut being there when people actually need what they are selling.

Joe Purifico, CEO and co-owner of Halloween Adventure, a Philadelphia-based chain of 150 seasonal costume superstores and 15 permanent shops explains how it all works for him.

Not only is it a good Q&A about that aspect of Halloween, he explains why Halloween costumes have become such a big business as well. Many clubs have giveaways for best costume as a business gifts to draw in business. Adults tend to spend up to 3 times what their kids do on their costumes to go to parties.

If you look at the bottom of his Q&A there are some big numbers on all the Tricks and Treats of Halloween. Most notably the 2008 total of $5.77 billion spent on Halloween that includes costumes, candy, and Witch's Brew (booze).