Everyone has to be a sales person

Is it me ? , or has this concept of outward facing management focus been around for a long time.

I mean by this that , especially in difficult trading circumstances , everyone has to think about customers and drive their behaviour accordingly

I see so many organisations who have fantastic sales personnel but never visit people in the business or communicate the challenges , other than the occasional e mail.

Where did the great drive of 70'S and 80'S to get people to be 360 degree re customer service? Instead we are more focused on silo organisations , mainly in the hope that makes us efficient.

There has never been a more important time to change habits profoundly , to set measures and apply management processes that ensures the revenue source is protected to the maximum.Customer Service is the only real measure and it is simply to apply.

Sales is not just for the sales team , the delivery of the order involves everyone in the organisation.

Management of people counts even more now

As I made the initial transition from the Corporate day job earning a salary,to one of advising business owners and shareholders I initially struggled about what to call my business and how to present myself.

Consultant thought I , but that comes tainted with the principle of asking clients questions and replaying the information back to the client....I jest of course.

Mentor , a new word for me , which means you coach or teach people how to run a business. Sure that is what I wanted to do and that is what I do now , but it is more than that.

I have spent some months helping businesses and the truth is that I do build operating processes , I do recommend financial prudence and control , develop appropriate sales and marketing strategies , but even more valuable teach people how to manage other people and situations.

I meet clever people all the time, some are bordering on genius , but the first rule of running a business is often overlooked.Excellent business processes reduce the need for personal intervention and involvement,but hands on support is a vital tool in helping employees meet targets consistently.

However bizarre this sounds , I was told in management development to welcome problems. This infers human interaction and understanding and it works. I did not need to be taught, I say with no arrogance , as it seemed a natural thing for me to do , but demonstrating leadership is the root of the problem and solution

Social networking is the medium by which 500 million people interact with humankind on Facebook alone.Bosses today have to compete for attention of employees in a world where competition is Global and economic growth is uncertain.Staying in touch with people in the business is key