A business that makes the decision to be environmentally-conscious will often promote goodwill among potential customers, while making the world a better place for future generations. Many businesses hesitate to adopt green practices because they fear it will hurt their bottom line and negatively impact profits. But many eco-conscious businesses discover that they can actually save money and bring in new customers who specifically patronize companies that actively make an effort to be environmentally friendly. Many customers may even be willing to pay a bit more for a product or service from a company that is green.

Many businesses already do things that are eco-friendly, not necessarily because they are sensitive to green living, but simply to save money. That does not, however, diminish the value of their green efforts. The trick for businesses is to be eco-friendly without compromising profitability.

Here are a few ways to help develop a green business strategy…

Telecommuting
Implementing a telecommuting program for employees can often have additional benefits beyond simply saving money on gasoline and reducing transportation-based emissions. Allowing alternative working arrangements for employees, such as allowing them to telecommute and work from home, even if only on certain days, will often result in those employees being more productive, and it will also serve to endear them to your company

Electronic Invoices, Statements, And Quotes
You can not only save money on postage, but also cut down on the use of paper by converting routine business documents such as invoices, statements, and quotes into an electronic format such as PDF, and then delivering them via email when possible. That is far more green and much cheaper than the traditional method of printing them on paper, putting them in an envelope, and mailing them via the postal mail service.

Downloadable W-9
You can further reduce paper use by creating and posting a downloadable W-9 form on your website, rather than printing and mailing them to everyone who requests a copy.

Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce expenses even further by encouraging your staff members to minimize energy consumption. Whenever possible, use Energy Star Compliant equipment in the office. You can also use energy-saving light bulbs, now available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, along with encouraging staff to turn out lights and shut down equipment when not in use.

Shipping
Minimize packaging materials by using boxes that are more properly sized to the item being shipped. Also, use recycled materials for packing and packaging. Offer an electronic delivery option for any digital products such as software or music.

Hybrid Delivery Vehicles
Utilize environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles for delivery, service, and sales calls. While the initial expense of the vehicle itself may be more, the long-term savings in fuel and possible tax advantages may make an updated fleet of hybrid vehicles a good investment.

Natural Lighting
When modernizing office space, consider how you can utilize natural lighting to help illuminate the space. A brighter office will make it a friendlier and warmer atmosphere for employees. And using natural lighting will help reduce electricity costs.

Patronize
All companies buy supplies and use the services of other companies, so consider patronizing companies who also follow green principles. Simply put, it is the right thing to do.

While not all companies may be considered Eco-Entrepreneurs, be reasonable when possible, and take proactive steps toward being green, which are not only good for the environment, but also good for your bottom line

Selling today is easier in many ways, but it is also more difficult in other ways.

It is easier because of the internet, globalization, improved customer education and sophistication, better quality products and services, improved organizational management and increased selling skills training.

It is more difficult because of the internet, globalization, improved customer education and sophistication, increased consumer choices, organizational down-sizing or restructuring, reduced layers of decision makers, time compression, organization turnover, and product life-cycles.

See any similarities between the two above definitions?

So, how is the salesperson of today to survive, succeed or even excel in a changing and dynamic marketplace? There are a number of actions that can and should be undertaken. I would like to summarize just a few of them.

You need to;

1. Develop positive sales rituals.

2. Develop emotional/psychological anchors that keep you focused.

3. Read some self-help material every day.

4. Study the competition.

5. Know your own products and services better than anyone.

6. Manage your time and territory effectively.

7. Maintain balance in your life.

8. Maintain your sales training either through your organization or on your own.

9. Develop career advocates.

10. Become a positive resource for your prospects and clients.

11. Keep asking yourself: how can I do it better or more effectively?

12. Have clear, focused and specific career and personal goals.

13. Network with people who can help you succeed.

14. Listen to self-help audio messages in the car to and from work or on the way to appointments or during any free or down time.

15. Develop strategic alliances in your career with people who can advance your career success.

16. Subscribe to and read publications that service your industry or the industries of your clients and/or prospects.

17. Develop daily, weekly, monthly, yearly affirmations that motivate you to action.

18. Learn to relax, flow and be – rather than push, manipulate and control.

19. Become a problem creator for your clients rather than just a problem solver.

20. Cultivate your ability to communicate effectively; improve your vocabulary, learn to speak in front of groups, write effective letters, articles and proposals.

This list should keep you busy for the next few days…