Tag: Selling

D.K.L.T.S — The Art of Selling

Discover — Know — Like — Trust — Sell (DKLTS)

Too Much Selling and You Chase Your Potential Customers Away — Let’s Do the Right Way!

D.K.L.T.S — The Art of Selling

I must confess — I’ve been down this road way too many times.

Every morning, as I’m driving to the office, there’s this little voice in my head going, “Hey, let’s get this show on the road, time to sell, sell, sell!”

It’s like I’ve got this inner salesperson that just can’t wait to throw our latest and greatest in front of anyone with a pulse.

But, if I’ve learned anything, it’s that slamming the pedal to the metal on selling from the get-go is like trying to sprint before you’ve even tied your shoes.

You’re just gonna trip.

That’s where D.K.L.T.S comes in, a neat little acronym that’s become my north star in navigating the social media selling galaxy.

1 — First up, “Discover.” This is all about letting your audience find you, kinda like laying out breadcrumbs for them to follow. No sales pitch here, just “Hey, look at this cool thing I know or did!” It’s like making a new friend at a party without immediately trying to sell them your grandma’s secret cookie recipe.

2 — Then, “Know.” This is where things get a bit more personal. You share your story, your why, and what makes you tick. It’s like letting them in on the secret handshake without asking for anything in return. They get to see the real you, not just the seller you.

3 — Moving on to “Like.” It’s all about building that relationship. Think of it like watering a plant; you gotta do it regularly, but not too much or you’ll drown it. Here, it’s about sharing values, interests, and maybe a laugh or two, making sure they know you’re not just another faceless seller.

4 — “Trust” is next. This is the big one. It’s where your audience goes, “Hey, this person really knows their stuff, and they’ve been consistent and genuine. Maybe I can trust them with my needs.” It’s like the moment in a friendship when you realize you can count on them to have your back.

5 — Finally, “Sell.” And only now do you bring out the goods. But it’s different, because by now, they’re not just buying a product or a service; they’re buying into you and what you stand for. It’s the culmination of all that hard work, like asking someone out after you’ve gotten to know them and they’ve hinted they might say yes.

And then?

You rinse and repeat.

But spending time on steps 1 to 4, that’s where the magic happens.

It’s tough, not gonna lie.

It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of creativity — things that are in short supply when you’re eager to make a quick buck.

But the truth is, skipping straight to selling is like proposing marriage on the first date. It’s too much, too soon.

Why do people skip ads on social media?

Because it feels like someone’s trying to sell them something right out of the gate.

But when you take the time to go through D.K.L.T.S., you’re not just selling; you’re creating a connection.

And that’s how you make selling on social media simple, or at least, simpler.

It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about making a relationship.

And who knows?

Maybe that’s the secret ingredient in grandma’s cookie recipe after all.

Pitching Through Uncertainties: Our Early Startup Journey And The Uncharted Waters Ahead

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Entrepreneurial journeys are riddled with moments of triumphs and setbacks. Over the first two years of building my startup, I extensively engaged with pitching competitions and venture capitalists.

Though laden with promise, our pitches frequently hit the wall, falling short of impressing the custodians of funds and support.

Sowing Seeds: The Birth of Raqib

Raqib emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation, designed meticulously to monitor senior citizens and pilgrims during the Hajj.

With a prototype that garnered praise from close circles, we were buoyed with optimism.

Despite the initial acclaim, the product found itself ensnared in the challenging terrains of market traction and customer acquisition while trying to perfect its pricing model.

Facing the Judges: The Pitch Dilemma

Pitching competitions revealed the chasm between promise and tangible success.

Although well-received by friends and followers, our presentations consistently failed to strike a chord with judges and venture capitalists.

The lack of market traction and the product being in the pilot stage were recurrent points of contention and disqualification.

Navigating a Pandemic: Pivot to IoT

Covid-19 cast long shadows over ambitions and plans, immobilizing Raqib’s progress for nearly two years. In these challenging times, we shifted our focus towards an IoT platform, a direction that promised market traction and renewed hope.

IoT: A New Hope with Old Challenges

With the IoT platform, we re-entered the pitching arenas with vigor. However, the questions about scalability and current profitability resurfaced, turning prospective victories into learning experiences.

While we inch closer to profitability, the lengthy sales cycles and gradual market adoption for IoT products present hurdles we are still learning to overcome.

Towards Resolution and Improved Pitches

The journey continues with an unyielding spirit and lessons learned from each pitch.

As we approach a new phase of profitability and strive to resolve scalability concerns, I harbor hopes of delivering a pitch that not only resonates but wins unequivocally.

Seeking Collective Wisdom: Your Feedback Matters

Your perspectives, feedback, and suggestions are invaluable as we navigate these challenges.

Please share your thoughts and insights, which could illuminate our path and contribute to crafting a compelling and victorious pitch.

Please engage with us through your comments.

Thank you for participating in our journey!

Conclusion:

The tale of Raqib serves as a poignant reminder that the journey is as crucial as the destination.

Regardless of its immediate outcome, each pitch is a stepping stone toward mastery and success.

While we recalibrate and prepare for upcoming pitches armed with IoT, your insights and support are anticipated and appreciated. Together, let’s steer towards a future where pitches impress and triumph.

Remember to Subscribe to receive email updates on every post I publish.

You can also follow my Medium Publications Aspiring Writer’s Journey, Influencer’s Journey, Startup Survival Journey, and IoT World.