Sell and tell more, expert advises

Tell your story, and sell more to existing clients.

This was the advice given by Murali Srinivasanm, a global master trainer with Business Network International (BNI), at Running Waters in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

BNI is a global business network, with more than 2,700 members in SA.

Port Elizabeth has five chapters, with a total membership of about 100 people.

Srinivasanm was accompanied by BNI national director Mike Levin.

Speaking to about 50 business owners, Srinivasanm said: “Make sure you have more products or services to offer your existing clients.

“You should cross-sell and up-sell.

“You should tell your success stories more often.

“Use your smartphones, cameras and WhatsApp groups to share the testimonials of happy customers.

“We are in the business of transforming lives, helping other people to grow.

“BNI’s principles are simple, but not easy.

“It is about making more money, impacting more lives, keeping it simple.

“However, it means getting out of your comfort zone,” India-based Srinivasanm said.

He challenged the audience to set high financial targets, build support teams, establish processes, measure progress and create an organisational culture of ownership.

“The road to success is always under construction.”

It was the business owner’s job to create new business, he said. “[Get] the team to do the rest of the work.”

He said a business owner’s team should not only be able to manage the company but should also be able to grow it.

“Get the right people on board.”