How to Sell to Niche Markets

Selling to Educational Services Businesses

No doubt about it, educational services businesses are valuable sales targets for B2B operations that are poised to sell well in a competitive marketplace. To achieve success in the educational services business industry, you'll need to closely adhere to a handful of sales fundamentals.

Not surprisingly, educational services businesses play by the same rules as any other type of business; they respond to businesses that offer solid, affordable products.

The process of moving educational services businesses from prospects to satisfied customers isn't a given. It takes proactive action from owners and managers to create a strategy that is tailored to your product line and customer base.

Marketing to Educational Services Businesses

There are multiple methods for marketing your products to educational services businesses. In addition to personal contacts, advertisements in relevant media combined with online marketing techniques can substantially boost conversions and revenue.

Many businesses find that direct marketing makes a difference in marketing to educational services businesses because it is a non-threatening resource for introducing their products to new customers.

The first step of a successful direct marketing strategy is to obtain a lead list from an established third-party provider like Experian Business Services, a company with a reputation for quality and service. From there, you can tailor your direct marketing efforts toward your company's strengths and perceived needs in the marketplace.

Networking Tips

The educational services business industry is relationship-based. Businesses that sell in the industry rely on industry contacts for leads and other aspects of the sales cycle.

Lead lists are helpful in expanding your network, but only if your sales force is willing to develop list contacts into long-term business relationships. As an owner or manager, you need to encourage networking strategies and proactively model relational sales techniques.

Casting a Broad Net

The first step in selling to educational services businesses is to take a broad approach to the marketplace. Strategies that are isolated to the local market are not likely to succeed in an environment that leverages the benefits of long-distance sales techniques.

Although a geographic concentration may be a useful strategy for new sellers, you will eventually need to expand your territory to include prospects outside of your initial range. You can also broaden your prospect base by introducing new products and partnerships into the mix.

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