– Cliff Quicksell, Jr., MAS, sales and marketing consultant, iPROMOTEu, Wayland, Mass.
"Over the years, I have asked hundreds of salespeople how they landed the 'Big Fish' and the answer is always the same: creatively. My advice to the newbie would be to think outside the voicemail. For example, find out which charitable organizations the company supports and get involved with that group. Eventually, you will meet someone who works there and that person is likely to be a decision maker. Or, network like crazy and find out who knows someone who knows someone who works there. Everyone goes in the front door. Be different. Slip in the back."
Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.