The Motley Fool: 5 Companies That Know Why They’re Great

Matt Koppenheffer from The Motley Fool highlights Jaynie L. Smith’s book, Creating Competitive Advantage, in his article titled “5 Companies That Know Why They’re Great”. Matt goes on to feature 5 companies that he feels clearly and concisely articulates their competitive advantages to their customers.

Bottom Line Magazine: Build Your Business in Bad Times – Without Slashing Prices

Business people often feel forced to lower their prices when the economy struggles or risk losing their increasingly cost-conscious customers. Fortunately, most customers do not make their buying decisions based primarily on price, even during recessions. They make their decisions based on value. To thrive in times such as these, you must convince customers and prospects that your company offers the best value, even if you do charge a slightly higher price. Here’s how…

Affluent Magazine: Are You Leaving Business on the Table?

Companies leave potential business on the table all the time. It happens in so many different ways: potential contacts not followed up, proposals that don’t go far enough or meet the specific needs of customers, so sales aren’t closed when they should be. One significant overlooked reason is often at the root of the failure.

Affluent Magazine: Attracting and Retaining Good Salespeople: It’s Not About Them, It’s About the Company

I speak to CEO and executive groups nationwide and am continually told that their sales managers complain the sales staff wants them to “lower the price” so they can sell more. That is a common cry. However, when a company creates, measures and maintains strong competitive advantages that are most valued by the customer, that company will attract the very best salespeople and customers. It starts with strategic decisions and operational changes that make a difference.