Ask HN: Where can I find salespeople to market to? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Where can I find salespeople to market to?

8 pointsemoray1317 comments

I have a couple of SAAS ideas for salespeople to help them improve their selling skills. However other than blogging to build an email list and PPC I'm struggling to think up ways to target salespeople.

Does anyone have any ideas?

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Create a new email account. Sign up on every form you come across on websites selling various products and services. Get ready to be spammed. When the sales guys get in touch, get them on the phone using a blocked number or a temp. While they are trying to make a sale, instead try to ask questions to get them to admit they have the problem you are solving and you can instead pitch them your solution.

This is creative, I like it. It made me think of how many problems that sales people have that go unsolved, this sounds like one good way to address them directly.

This is great. Ironic, but I'll give it a shot.

Narrow the field.

Don't just say "salespeople," define what they're selling. Car salesmen? Go to a dealership and talk to the sales manager, or get him on the phone; Real Estate? Call the local offices, go to real estate seminars, etc. You get the picture; if you focus on a subgroup, it's easier to target who you want.

Agreed. I do need to look at a niche before I try and grow the business.

Find a conference near your area. Pay for an exhibitor hall only pass. Then walk around the exhibit hall talking to the vendors. They are all sales people. IRCE in Chicago last year was $175 and access to endless sales people. :)

This is a good shout, however it isn't a very scalable way to get in front of sales people.

LinkedIn is the obvious answer. SellerCrowd may not be a bad idea if you don't mind anonymous sources Conferences are easy finds for sales people in the exhibit halls.

Realtors and maybe insurance agents are usually easy to target. You can get free lists easily and they often include direct phone numbers.

Salespeople that need to improve their skills are often found listening to motivational speakers. Try being Tony Robbins.

Are you a salesperson yourself? Have you ever sold anything?

I am yes in my day job. I've been ranked as the top sales person in both the organisations I've worked in since graduating.

Good. Have you succesfully used your ideas to improve your numbers?

For sure?

LinkedIn would be an obvious choice to find people

I included this in PPC. Unless you're suggesting spamming people.

Try sellercrowd.com. Also, are you a salesperson?

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