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Where to find this kind of partner for a business...

by John J M
9 replies
After having done quite a bit of freelance work in both building websites and creating content in the last few years, I think it's very possible for me to start my own small business. I would have a lot of samples and enough in terms of testimonials.

That being said, the work has mostly been through word of mouth or advertising on this forum. I've never been good at the sales side of things.

So here's my thought: To start the business, I'd hire a sales guy/girl that is highly motivated, and it would only be commission-based. They would need to let me know who they talk to every day. And if I get a client through their referral, they get a certain commission.

My first question: Where could I find someone like this who would be a real go-getter and find at least 1-2 clients per week? Remember, this is site design and online content. The commission would be pretty high.

Second question: What would be a fair % of the sale to give this individual?
#business #find #kind #partner
  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    I'm not sure you would easily find someone that was good at sales that would work with zero guarantee. You might try paying them a small amount during a training period where you work closely with them to help them sell, and also assess if they have what it takes to sell your product. You figure if someone is good at sales, they may already have a good position.
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    It is okay to contact me! I have been developing software since 1999, creating many popular products like phpLD.
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    • Profile picture of the author John J M
      Good assessment. Thanks.

      Originally Posted by dvduval View Post

      I'm not sure you would easily find someone that was good at sales that would work with zero guarantee. You might try paying them a small amount during a training period where you work closely with them to help them sell, and also assess if they have what it takes to sell your product. You figure if someone is good at sales, they may already have a good position.
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  • Profile picture of the author gruss
    One of the difficulties I can see you facing is that if you're not good at selling, you may not be able to lead a commission sales person to the sale.

    You can recruit basic sales people and teach them to sell your way, if you have a system you can teach them to use, however I am with dvduval in saying that it is doubtful you will find a hungry, professional sales person who wants to knock on doors for commission only.

    Over the years I have done my fair share of selling websites door to door and I can tell you it is getting harder. There is more competition than ever and if you're going to do it, you will need to do it right. With that said, don't be discouraged, be determined.

    The market is huge, you just need a way to get things moving and once you have a client base you will be able ask for referrals and sell them add on products and services.

    I recently created a video teaching people how they can sell web related services if they need money in a hurry. I called it Recovery Mode and it can be viewed at the following address. (No opt-in is required, this is the thank you page for people who have joined my mailing, so you don't have to join and there is nothing to sell).

    Thank you for joining the Home Business Learner mailing list. | Home Business LearnerHome Business Learner

    Below the video is a work sheet and an action sheet.

    If you're as excited about building you're business as I can imagine you are, then give this a go yourself to begin with, even before employing anyone. The method I teach in this video is specifically for owners of a business like you're describing, as they go out and get their first new customers.

    Please note that I made this for people wanting to make some money in a hurry, especially if they are in financial difficulty. You will need to make sure you don't take on too many clients in this way, as you will end up with the web developers version of a freebie seeker and they won't want to pay a lot.

    Just use the method I teach to get in the door of some new customers and ask for referrals from then onward.

    BTW: It works today, as good as it always has and I have tried it recently just to back up that what I am teaching has credibility. Although it doesn't usually work this way, the first door I knocked on, did get me my first sale.
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    • Profile picture of the author John J M
      I appreciate your honesty and detailed answer. I'm looking at your video now.

      Originally Posted by gruss View Post

      Just use the method I teach to get in the door of some new customers and ask for referrals from then onward.

      BTW: It works today, as good as it always has and I have tried it recently just to back up that what I am teaching has credibility. Although it doesn't usually work this way, the first door I knocked on, did get me my first sale.
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  • Profile picture of the author ErinWalsh
    You might have to find an affiliate marketer that doesn't mind taking a risk. However, you probably will have to pay someone to put up ads for you, or you have to pay for some social media services. Otherwise, hire someone who is skilled in finding leads in your niche.
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    Boost Software teamed up with Neverblue. They helped produce this new affiliate video.

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  • Profile picture of the author MilenRachev
    Mate pay them a normal salary and 40-50% commission per sale. That's how I do it
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    • Profile picture of the author John J M
      Well, that would be nice, but as a new business I don't have money to pay a normal salary. That's the whole issue. But thanks.
      Originally Posted by MilenRachev View Post

      Mate pay them a normal salary and 40-50% commission per sale. That's how I do it
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      • Profile picture of the author unclederek
        I would see how many knocks it takes for you to get a deal?

        For instance...

        Every 30 businesses you speak to could equate to 5 meetings, then 1 deal from those meetings lets say...

        If your average deal nets you $500, then splitting that with a talented salesperson would be fair to start.

        So this is what you do next...

        You explain to your salesperson the numbers it takes to make X...

        If you sales guy/gal wants to make $100,000.00 a year with you they need to do the following...

        Canvass or cold call 60 businesses via phone or in person a day...

        This would equate to 10 meetings and 2 closed deals a day...

        With your average deal netting your salesperson $250 they would be making 500/day x 5days = $2500/week x 4weeks - $10,000.month = $120,000.00 year.

        If they want to loosen up on such a demand and work a lighter day, they can always work 2 Saturdays out of the month to make quota...

        Now here is the kicker...

        If you have a system that works like the one I am designing for you here...

        You can afford to pay your sales people a salary/draw a week...

        But you do it with contingencies...

        You tell your salesperson in order to get paid their salary/draw they need to SMS you a picture ( or snapchat ) outside of each building they walk into throughout the whole day...

        Now you are keeping tabs on them, and this forces them to work... period!

        If they dont produce X amount of business cards in conjunction with photos outside of businesses, then they don't get paid...

        And you and I already know that if they are going into at least 30 places a day... you will most likely get checks for jobs if the infrastructure to your business is sound and legit... ( obviously this only applies to an outside sales rep position )

        Good Luck,

        Derek
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  • Profile picture of the author John J M
    I really appreciate the detailed response and ideas.
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