When Sydney Johnston has a live eBay audience she loves to ask a really easy question. And every time everyone gets it wrong. It has to do with perceptions. Those that work successfully with Internet business are those that can think outside the box.
The degree of success you experience in virtual business is going to be dependent on how you see things.
Sydney Johnston who has been on eBay almost since the beginning doesn't look at eBay the same way most of us do.When speaking to a live seminar audience she asks what sounds a pretty simple question " What is eBay?" But the question is designed to stimulate the mind and thought processes further.
She is looking for her audience to gauge their perception as to what eBay can deliver and the majority of people are pretty limited as to their ability to see opportunity.
That's the whole point. She wants them to see where they are and then she invites them to climb outside the box and share a new view of one of the five most trafficked websites in the world.
She is guiding her students to recognise eBay as much more than just a site selling goods via auctions.
Here's how Sydney stumbled onto the real potential of a site like eBay. "I started selling not real rare but a hundred dollars and up books. I accidentally built a list of about 250 serious book collectors and I started sending out emails."
This is what makes those with enterprenurial spirit stand out from the crowd. They see eBay as the start and not the end of the sales funnel. The majority of the people selling on eBay see it as a place to sell single items and no more.
People who understand marketing see it differently and despite the huge numbers that visit the website these people are a tiny minority. The field is wide open and is unlikely to change.
eBay can be the magic bullet to endless streams of eager customers who can be sold again and again but only to those switched on to understand this.
It almost goes without saying everything is in the follow up which few on eBay either know or choose to ignore.
For people like Sydney that sale is just the first step in a long and hopefully mutually satisfactory relationship.
Success on eBay is about tying products together and expanding the newly formed relationship.
If I sell a set of ruby earrings what goes with that, and would the customer be interested in a matching ring or bracelet.
To find success on eBay you must see that intial transaction as a gateway to the customer. Think how you can enhance the customer experience and you will be filling your pockets with wads of cash.
About the Author
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