By Mike Whitty on 7/28/2008 1:33 PM

For the longest time, customers purchased items in one of two ways: either by walking into a store or mail ordering from a catalog. Well, in many cases, the store is still there, but the mail order catalog is slowly being replaced by the Internet. It's less costly and can be updated more frequently by providing this information on the web, then having our poor mail carriers lug these heavy catalogs around, and reproduce them with the high cost of printing and stamps.

So, to help you understand where your customer future lies in relationship to the Internet, I've placed customers into three main categories, and attempted to provide a description of each.

Click 'N' Order Customers

Click 'N' Order customers usually purchase items based on price, information, and service. A dealership appealing to Click 'N' Order customers usually needs to provide all three or be so superior in one facet, like offering special internet pricing, that they don’t mind less concentration on the other two factors. In reality, many people don’t expect to necessarily save money by shopping online, especially by the time shipping costs are factored into the final price. They do expect value-added sellers, and they love buying from the comforts of their home. For example, RV dealerships that have online accessory pages on their websites provide a great deal of information, selection, and customer service through their website, and this can appeal to many Click 'N' Order customers. Click 'N' Order customers expect their online experience to be fast and extensive, painless, with more options than Brick 'N' Mortar. If there are any problems with their online experience, they can immediately click away to another website. In a few words,Click 'N' Order customers expect speed, flexibility, and options; they are generally very savvy shoppers. Plus, they just have a lot of fun buying things in their pajamas and having them delivered directly to their front door in just a matter of days.

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By Mike Whitty on 7/28/2008 1:22 PM

With the market being slightly down and gas prices high, selling a luxury, recreational product like an RV may take a little more work.  This simply means that you need to develop ways other than showroom customers to attract business.

As an RV sales professional, often the only thing that separates you from the competition is how well you have mastered the art of meeting and connecting with new people. Here is an example of the seven rules of networking, the five types of people to network with and seven sure-fire tactics to that lead to a successful networking game plan.

The Seven Rules of Networking

1. Smile A smile is a universal welcome sign. A smile allows the other person to know you're approachable.

2. Look the person in the eye It's a compliment to look at someone sincerely. It's also a way to connect with someone new in the shortest time possible. We all get an uncomfortable feeling when we're talking with someone who looks over our shoulders or around us.

3. Listen...

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By Mike Whitty on 7/28/2008 12:25 PM

I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar. Well in one of Zig's audios I was listening to during my daily walk, there were a number of comments about the habits of well-organized people which I couldn't resist surveying, and sharing with you.

What are the habits of well-organized people?

Can a person be 'taught' skills that will make them organized, or is that a quality you either possess or lack?

I asked these questions to some of my training coherts and here were some of their responses:

"I think that natural abililty has to be coupled with good training to fully develop skills such as being organized."

"Thankfully, organizational skills are learned. The first requirement is DESIRE. The second is WORK! By consistently using such tools as a well thought out set of goals, a planner and a PRIORITIZED daily "to-do" list, I have made a positive difference in my personal and professional life."

"A well-organized person reviews their actions each day. They assess where...

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