Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Boye

...It is the sale within the sale....

That's an interesting point since I've never thought of myself as a salesperson. I suppose we are always selling - a concept, product, theory, dream, service, etc. I need to remember that. Thanks for the positive feedback, Gary.

In the past, companies I work for generally use collateral material (sell sheets, etc) in sales presentations, to support one-on-one sales calls. Powerpoint would be used by the sales managers in cases where they had to train a group - bringing on a new broker or launching a new product to the sales force, for example. As far as I know it was not the primary tool in closing a sale.

Powerpoint was also used for financial presentations (to the board or lenders) and internal presentations such as status meetings, quarterly updates, or presentation of marketing plan.

I don't think I ever worked for a company where there were written rules about what to use...it was whatever the specific conventions were at the company.

I've been subjected to too many sales people reading their PowerPoint slides directly from their laptop. In most cases, the presentations were dull, focused on the seller vs. the buyer, and did nothing to motivate me to buy. Most of these sales people relied on their presentation and, in some cases, they were unable to deliver their presentation without their laptop.

However, if used properly, I think PPT can be of benefit. In Irene's case, the use of music and images is a definite step in the right direction.

In my business (speaking), I've seen lots of "professional" speakers rely too much on their slides as well. I believe that less is more.

Cheers!

Kelley

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohcnetwork

When do you or should you create some kind of presentation using Word, PowerPoint, etc.? Is this for projects whose budget is above certain level?

Hi

I have been in sales for 20+ years and have consistantly been one of the top performers, if not the top. I do not know how to use powerpoint and I have no intention of learning it. Very occasionally I will have someone create a few slides for me but it is only a "few" and only when absolutely necessary. I feel they can distract from the "sales conversation."

	#12
Bobette Kyle	Re: Word, PowerPoint, etc. In the past, companies I work for generally use collateral material (sell sheets, etc) in sales presentations, to support one-on-one sales calls. Powerpoint would be used by the sales managers in cases where they had to train a group - bringing on a new broker or launching a new product to the sales force, for example. As far as I know it was not the primary tool in closing a sale. Powerpoint was also used for financial presentations (to the board or lenders) and internal presentations such as status meetings, quarterly updates, or presentation of marketing plan. I don't think I ever worked for a company where there were written rules about what to use...it was whatever the specific conventions were at the company.

	#13
Kelley Robertson	Re: Word, PowerPoint, etc. I've been subjected to too many sales people reading their PowerPoint slides directly from their laptop. In most cases, the presentations were dull, focused on the seller vs. the buyer, and did nothing to motivate me to buy. Most of these sales people relied on their presentation and, in some cases, they were unable to deliver their presentation without their laptop. However, if used properly, I think PPT can be of benefit. In Irene's case, the use of music and images is a definite step in the right direction. In my business (speaking), I've seen lots of "professional" speakers rely too much on their slides as well. I believe that less is more. Cheers! Kelley

Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Sales Presentation