Individual and Family Discount Dental Plans, Affordable
Dental Care Starting at $79.95 a Year!
1-888-632-5353 
M-F 8 AM - 9 PM EST 

Find Plans in Your Area
 
ZIP code
 

Find Dentists in Your Area
 
ZIP code
 
Dentist last name
(optional)
 




you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Business > How to Be an Online Spy (and Use It for Sales Success)

How to Be an Online Spy (and Use It for Sales Success)
Updated: 8/15/2008 2:00:18 PM
 
(ARA) - People do business with people they like and trust. But in a world where attention spans are short and making a great first impression is imperative, how do you build repartee with a new prospect or client?  

You start to build relationships by understanding what's important to the other person, their likes and dislikes, and by sharing relevant stories, says Sam Richter, author of the top-selling book "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling."  The good news is with the Internet, it's easy to find information about people you've never met, as long as you know where and how to look.  

In a business world where information is power (or if you'd just like to learn a little more about your neighbor), these Web sites offer insights into people, their background, and their interests.

* ZoomInfo.com: Want an easy way to find an executive's biography? ZoomInfo scours the Web locating information on people, and then automatically creates an online biography using the information that it found. To use, click the "people" tab and enter the first and last name of the person you're interested in finding. If the name is a common name (e.g. Pat Smith), use advanced search when on the people section, and enter in additional terms such as the company where the person works. "ZoomInfo is a site I use prior to meeting with people," Richter says. "In a matter of seconds, I can learn about a person's career and educational history, and even some personal information, which allows me to discuss something that I know will interest them."

* Google Search: Enter the name of a person in Google and you're likely to get thousands of results. However, use the following techniques and you're likely to find good information on the person you're going to meet. In the Google search form, enter the person's name, but put it within quotation marks. Then add terms and phrases like the person's company, city or state, or even phrases like "annual report," "press release" etc., with each phrase separated by an OR (make sure the OR is in all capital letters and phrases are within quotation marks). For example, the Google search query "Sam Richter" Minnesota "press release" OR "annual report" will locate information about Richter, and specifically look for results that may be a press release or an annual report from a nonprofit organization. "If a salesperson called me and told me that they had done a little homework on me, and referenced some of the places where I've made a donation or organization in which I'm involved, I'd be impressed" Richter says. "If the salesperson has a relevant connection, for example, if they've done business with someone else on a board where I serve, I'd be even more impressed."

* Zillow.com: If you're selling financial service products, or if you're a nonprofit organization that relies on individual donations for your revenue, it can be very beneficial to know the value of a person's home. Just enter an address into the Zillow search form. On the result page, click the address link to find price information and in some markets, a bird's-eye view of the home and area. Scroll down to locate detailed information including recent sales. Enter the security ID code and get property tax data. "In a general sales presentation or a meeting with a new client, how would you use this information? I have no clue," says Richter with a big smile. "But knowing it is a heck of a lot of fun."

These are just three of the more than 80 people, company and industry information search tips and resources you'll find in "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling." Whether it's someone's golf handicap, where they donate money or where they volunteer their time, Richter's book gives you step-by-step instructions on how to find information, and how to apply it for sales and business success.

It's no wonder that Harvey Mackay, internationally renowned sales expert and author of the New York Times No. 1 bestseller "Swim with the Sharks," calls "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling" the "must-have resource for anyone involved in sales or business development." To get your copy for just $34.95 including a resource CD featuring a research guide, downloadable toolbar and more, visit www.takethecold.com.

Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.

ARA Content

Customer Care - 1-888-632-5353 Toll Free

  
Additional Articles
Patients without dental insurance for...
Internet-Powered Postal Mail Helps a...
Business Phone Systems Made Easy
Find the Right Phone System for Your...
Tips for Buying the Best Metal...
Hot Construction Trend: Steel Buildings
Franchise: Live the Life You've Always ...
Hair Care: The Best Franchise in Any ...
Company Created in Recessionary Times...
Today's Economic Times Ripe for...
Need a Logo? 8,500 Designers are by...
Not a Project Manager? You Still Need...
Learn the Leadership Skills Needed for...
Turn Your Phone Into a Virtual Office
Can Your Web site Handle Increased...
Is Your Web site Ready for Cyber...
Need a Logo? 8,5000 Designers are by...
Get Great Graphic Design on a Budget
Expert Advice Equals Interactive...
An Interactive Agency Can Boost Your ...
Make a Postage Meter Part of Your Daily...
Save Time with a Postage Meter
Better Credit for your Small Business
Learn From the Rich, Pay Fewer Taxes
How to Maximize Your Business Tax...
Sales Pros, Be Your Own Boss
Big Income, Low Entry - Build Equity in...
Making Your Walls Work for Your...
Business Owners -- Lower Your Tax Bill...
Is Your Business Providing You With Tax...
Making Mailing Make Money Sense
The Simple Way to Offer Customers Bill...
An 800-number for Just $10 a Month
The No. 1 Way to Keep Capital Flowing
Save Money on Insurance for Your...
Online Advertising that Doesn't Look...
How to Be an Online Spy (and Use It for...
Business Programs Help Save on Car...
How to Hire a Winning Sales Team
Find a Local Accountant to Maximize...

Add to Google MSN Business
 Add Business
 To My Yahoo  Subscribe with Bloglines   Subscribe in NewsGator Online Business
 News Feed

The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.

Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.

Let's Get Connected
Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter DentalPlans.com Blog, Dental Insurance Alternatives View Our YouTube Channel
Email Me Savings & Updates
Submit
Privacy Policy
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
Special promotions including but not limited to additional months free and Membership Rewards® points from American Express are not available to California residents.

© 1999-2011 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
BBB Rating A+    McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams