On Tuesday, November 17th, nearly 60 WIRE-Net members and friends packed the Heritage Rooms in the Club at Key Center. They were there to partake in a special program to sharpen their street fighting skills! No, they weren’t there to learn how to brawl. They were there to learn about bringing new business, customers, and profits to their manufacturing companies.

Despite a few glitches with the audio equipment, marketing guru, Jeff Slutsky, president and founder of Street Fighter Marketing®, and author of Street Fighter Marketing, got his message across...

Use an effective first contact to avoid wasting time. What you say in the first 20 seconds sets the tone and should include an introduction, a benefit statement, new news, and permission to pursue.

Qualify potential customers with five quick questions. Is the person you’re talking to the decision maker? Is he or she ready or willing to make a decision? Does he or she need what you’re offering? Does he or she want it? Is money an issue?

Distinguish objections from stalls and then handle real objections using four a four part method: soften, isolate, rephrase, and finally work toward a solution.

Jeff peppered his expertise with lively stories. And, according to at least one of the participants, the “program was great!!” If you’re interested in hearing more about Jeff’s presentation or would like information on how WIRE-Net can help with your marketing needs, contact Mark Pinto at 216.588.1440 ext. 103.

But Wait There’s More!

Taking advantage of a unique opportunity, WIRE-Net was thrilled to also welcome the Treasurer of the State of Ohio Kevin L. Boyce. The treasurer was there to discuss ways to leverage State programs to serve new markets and new customers. As one guest put it, “The treasurer and his staff provided relevant information on a topic that concerns most businesses.”

The GrowNOW program was just one of the many outlined by the treasurer. GrowNOW gives small business owners up to a 3% rate reduction on bank loans, saving up to $24,000 over two years.

The treasurer introduced his Constituent Liaison, Justin Spicer, and offered Justin’s services to WIRE-Net members, stating that he will be able to help small businesses determine what loans or grants might be suitable for them: “Justin will also help these small businesses ‘get the ball rolling’ by directing them to proper people, programs, and support.” To contact Justin Spicer, call him directly at 614.728.0346.