Reading Roaster Coffee

Colombian coffee is consumed by millions of coffee drinkers all over the world. Some will argue that it is also the world?s best coffee. While that may provoke heated discussion, we are not here to argue that point. The reason for this article is to educate you on how Colombian coffee is delivered to you.

The journey for a coffee bean begins with the planting of the coffee beans in a nursery. Each time there is planting; there are thousands of beans planted. They are all sown close together and covered with rich fertile soil.

It will take eight weeks for the seeds to germinate and for the roots to develop. The coffee plants are than carefully inspected, and the healthiest ones are selected and they are than carefully transplanted in the nursery and carefully nurtured for six months.

When the seedlings have grown to about two feet in height, they are than transplanted to the plantation where the plants are carefully cultivated.

It will take approximately three to four years for the average coffee tree to grow to full size and blossom. The first fruit will appear about six months later. Unlike other fruit trees, coffee trees are unique. They will bear fruit and flowers all at the same time.

Each coffee tree will produce one pound (455 grams) of coffee each year.

Processing

When the coffee beans are a rich, red color, they are ready for harvesting. Than, and only than, are the berries picked individually. After all of the beans are harvested, they are loaded into bags and than loaded onto mules or donkeys.

The beans then go on to the only mechanical means of help for the farmer, the de-pulping machine. This machine will remove the pulp off the two seeds that are in the centre of the each berry. The two beans that are found in the berry are flat on one side and rounded on the other. The pulp, or the red covering that you see, goes back to the soil as fertilizer for new plants and seeds while the beans, still encased in a tough parchment husk, go to large concrete tanks.

In these tanks, the beans will soak in cold mountain water for 24 hours. The soaking will start a slight fermentation process which is of vital importance for the aroma of the coffee.

The coffee beans are than washed in long troughs. Any twigs, debris, or poor quality beans are discarded. Unlike beans from other origins, all Colombian Coffee is ?washed? which gives Colombian Coffee its rich taste and aroma.

When the washing is over, the coffee beans must be dried. All of them are scooped up and put into large straw baskets. They are than spread out on great open air terraces, where they are turned, and turned again until the wind and the sun have dried them completely. It is necessary to cover the beans at night to prevent moisture from getting them wet, and of course they must be covered whenever it rains.

Quality Control

Another aspect of Colombian Coffee that makes it so unique is the country?s high quality control standards. It starts in the farm where the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia sends an appointed official to inspect each farm for sanitary conditions, healthy trees and the quality of each harvest. The inspector also confirms that the beans have been washed properly.

The inspector also looks for adequate bean size, color, texture and overall quality. He will begin the final test by removing the husk and tough parchment to expose the bean. If you were there to watch, you would see him cut the bean in half with a sharp knife. If there is not too much moisture in the bean, the beans will not fly away. If the bean is too dry, it will split too quickly. However, if the bean has been dried just right, the inspector will authorize the farmer to take his crop to market.

The beans are than placed in burlap bags and loaded onto jeeps. In certain regions, mules and donkeys are still an important mode of transportation from the farm to the market.

Once at the market, the farmer?s crop is further tested by the operation?s owner. His assistant punctures the coffee bags and removes a random sample of beans and puts them into a tiny machine which removes the beans parchment. The owner will then test the beans for aroma, color, size, moisture, and texture. Only the best crops are sold and distributed for export.

Following that, the beans are now brought to the mill where they are fed into machines which remove the tough parchment husk and silvery skin that surrounds each bean. The beans than must pass through different screening processes, where they are freed from impurities and sorted by size, weight and shape. Young women undertake that last critical inspection and discard the beans that are of inferior quality. Now the rich, olive-green beans are ready to finally be poured into bags and are sealed for export.

It is only after this long process that the Federation will give its stamp of approval. However, before the bags are sealed, yet another sample is taken which is graded and weighed. This sample of coffee is roasted, ground and finally tasted in a properly prepared cup of coffee. The experts will give marks for aroma, acidity and uniformity. If the experts are not satisfied with the quality of a particular lot, export is than refused.

Types of Coffee Beans

A good cup of coffee comes down to one thing: Good Beans. There are two basic bean types: Robusta and Arabica:

Coffea Arabica commonly called Arabica, are considered the highest quality beans and are therefore usually more expensive. Arabica beans grow best in high altitudes and produce a very flavorful and aromatic coffee, low in caffeine and acidity. In Colombia, Arabica is exclusively grown. Also it is the type of beans used by My Coffee Gourmet.Com.

Coffea Robusta or canephora is commonly called Robusta. As the name tells you, this tree can withstand harsher temperatures and conditions than most. Considered by the trade to be less flavorful and aromatic than Arabica, it is widely used in instant and less expensive coffees. Robusta beans produce a cup with twice the amount of caffeine of Arabica and is high in acidity. No robustas are grown in Colombia

Colombian also known as Washed Arabica. It is the highest quality of Arabica coffee. Unlike beans from other origins, all Colombian coffee is ?washed;? this process releases many of the impurities and acid agents, which in turn, gives it its fresh taste and aroma. My Coffee Gourmet.Com uses nothing but Arabica Coffee Beans in its gourmet coffees.

This article may be re-distributed without permission as long as the following resource box is left intact:

About the Author

Chris Weaver is the President of C.C.W. Enterprises of Brantford Ontario Canada. His company also owns My Coffee Gourmet (http://www.mycoffeegourmet.com) which offers its customers gourmet coffee beans, flavored coffee, and Pickwick Tea.

Reading Roaster Coffee

Sonofresco Coffee Roaster Sale

It may be that you are the only coffee drinker in your home. In such case it is best for you to opt for one of the one cup coffeemakers. This will be a worthy addition to your home and kitchen. These are special coffee machines that are designed for individuals who want a cup of coffee at a time for themselves but do not wish to make a whole pot in order to secure the one cup.

Indeed, preparing a whole pot of coffee for one person can be a big waste that is unnecessarily made. Making use of the single cup coffeemakers or one cup coffeemakers can help do away with this loss making. No wonder why they are becoming more and more popular. Their rising demand has led to the setting up of even single serve espresso machines.

It is said that in order to get the best taste and flavor the freshly brewed coffee ought to be served within twenty minutes of brewing. If a longer time elapses between the brewing and drinking then the coffee drink may well turn bitter or burnt tasting and the flavor of the special coffee beverages get ruined. So, the one cup coffeemakers are the best in case of single servings since they immediately dispense the coffee that it brews for one cup and thus ensures that the perfect taste is not lost.

The one cup coffeemakers work faster than standard coffee machines and most brew a cup in less than a minutes? time. So, you can get your favorite coffee drink readied nearly as soon as you wished to get it brewed.

The one cup coffeemakers may be used with canned or freshly ground coffee beans. The single serving coffeemakers usually come with a reusable coffee filter built in thus doing away with the need for using paper filters. The reusable coffee filters are also presumed to deliver better results in terms of flavor and aroma.

What is more- the one cup coffeemakers also deliver an excellent single serving of tea beverage. For making tea using the machines the water may be heated in the machine and the tea bag put into the cup as usual. Alternatively, the tea bag can be placed into the filter and the water is to be run through like in case of coffee preparation.

Single serving espresso machines are available too coming in stainless steel or aluminum models. The stainless steel models, though comparatively more expensive, are considered preferable as there are considered to be health risks associated with brewing in aluminum containers. The single serving espresso machines of the day are small and lightweight. They are perfectly suited for preparing espresso drinks while traveling.

Sonofresco Coffee Roaster Sale

History Of Farberware Coffee Pots

A coffee pot is a coffee pot, right? Wrong! Do you know that there are hundreds of different kinds of coffee pots, made out of a multitude of materials? There are antique coffee pots and glass coffee pots, as well as cleaning coffee pots and vacuum and glass coffee pots… the list goes on and on. There are just as many brand names for coffee pots and makers as there are materials to make them with. Some of the biggest names in coffee are Braun, Cuisinart and Krups, not to mention Bunn and Sunbeam and dozens more.

There are so many different kinds of coffee pots it would be impossible to name them all. Some drip, some brew and some produce coffee like you've never tasted before. Ever use a coffee air pot or a Turkish coffee pot? The number of different kinds of coffee you can make in any style of coffee pot is as varied as the types. Cowboy coffee, gourmet coffee, Turkish coffee, no matter where you are in the world, you can bet that there's coffee there.

A coffee pot can make strong coffee or smooth coffee, depending on the materials the coffee is made of. Some special coffee pots made out of clay enhance the taste of coffee with flavors that can't be found anywhere else in the world. No one knows when the first coffee was brewed in a coffee pot, but today, the coffee industry is booming, and will continue to grow. Like food, most people can't live without their coffee.

The timed coffee pot gets a lot of people up and going in the morning, and for some, a good stiff cup of coffee in the middle of the day helps them get through many a hectic afternoon.

A coffee pot doesn't have to be expensive to brew good coffee, though there are coffee pots and machines that can cost hundreds of dollars. An average coffee pot can be found at your local Wal-Mart for fewer than fifteen dollars. The coffee industry rakes in billions of dollars a year with roasted and gourmet coffees that can be made and enjoyed using a moderately priced coffee pot. A coffee pot can be small enough to brew only one or two cups at a time while others can brew up to twenty. But no matter what kind of coffee pot you buy, you have to keep it clean in order to produce that fresh taste that you've come to savor every morning.

Most coffee pots in the United States are made of glass, which allows them to be easily cleaned. Make sure to run hot water through the water reservoir occasionally however, to keep parts clean and free of buildup.

Some coffee pots made of materials like Pyrex or stainless steel are easy to keep clean while others require a little more care, like an antique coffee pot of a coffee pot made of clay or stone. No matter which kind you buy, one thing is guaranteed: you'll enjoy your coffee, no matter what kind of coffee pot it's brewed in.

History Of Farberware Coffee Pots

Commercial Coffee Espresso Machines

Retail consumers have witnessed an extreme makeover during the past decade; and no, this has nothing to do with your Botox? party last Friday night. Internet-driven companies like Amazon.com and mega store warehouse outlets like Wal-Mart and Costco have changed how we as Americans buy everything from automobiles to zoot suits. Brick and mortar specialty retailers, looking to add value to the experience of shopping in-person, have taken cues from Disney and created their own ?happiest place on Earth? exclusively for you to shop. Not surprisingly, this approach has drawn largely on the appeal of coffeehouses as an effective third place in which we may comfortably congregate and be willingly predisposed to lighten our wallets.

In his book The Great Good Place urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg demonstrates why gathering places are essential to a community. He argues that bars, coffee shops, general stores, and other ?third places? (in contrast to the first and second places of home and work), are central to local democracy and community vitality. This principle may be seen in action as a part of Starbucks successful marketing strategy,which is based largely on positioning its stores in communities world-wide, often outfitting them with comfortable furniture and wireless Internet access to entice customers to stay longer and come back more often. It is sadly ironic that Oldenburg attributes the societal need for such casual social interaction on the globalization of enterprises that displace local businesses and the adverse affects of mobile technology that makes us each less likely to know our own neighbors. Brilliantly, Starbucks is manufacturing the societal conditions that make its own business model in demand.

The coffee bar is an excellent choice for retailers to create their own third place since it is relatively inexpensive to implement and operate, less dangerous and more politically correct than alcohol bars and can by itself be a profitable addition to practically any business model. Just look at a few of this nation?s leading retailers that have benefited from this approach:

Borders Group

Ann Arbor, Michigan based Borders Group opened its first Borders Caf? in 1990, and now dedicates 1,400 square feet of retail space to its in-store coffee shop in nearly all of its domestic locations.

?The aroma of coffee in the bookstore and the atmosphere a cafe creates invite people to spend time with a book,? says company spokesperson Holley Stein.

Having signed a licensing agreement with Starbucks? Seattle?s Best Coffee subsidiary to upgrade its independently operated cafes in 2004, Borders Group management noted ?remodeled stores perform 2.6% better on average than other stores in the chain,? citing ?The cafe and gifts and stationery categories were the strongest performers in remodeled stores.?

Whole Foods

?Whole Foods thinks shopping should be fun,? says John Mackey, company CEO and founder. Since opening the first in 1980, Whole Foods has taken the approach of creating a unique shopping experience with a focus on upscale organic foods. Now with 183 location and dozens more under development across the USA, coffee is a substantial portion of Whole Food?s business model, both retail whole bean sales and in-store bar beverages.

Bookstores and grocery stores were early adopters of the third place, but are by no means the only places that specialty coffee can succeed. Visit shopping centers, strip malls and Main Street shopping districts around America and you will find florists, hairdressers, upscale automobile dealerships, financial institutions and even pet grooming services serving coffee to build their native businesses. Even petroleum retailers (known as gas stations outside of the industry) tout espresso, cappuccinos, caf? lattes and other specialty beverages, where only a few years ago glass carafes and stale drip coffee had prevailed.

Smart retailers are taking the approach of making specialty coffee a part of the new ?interactive theater? approach to shopping. What could be better than fulfilling our need for community with a good cup of coffee?

Commercial Coffee Espresso Machines

Espresso Coffee Stand

Do you have a coffee lover in your life and want to surprise him or her with a gift they will love. Why not go for a coffee gift basket. This is one of the nicest present you can give to a coffee lover and something they can enjoy for a long time to come. Just think about them sitting around on a Sunday morning enjoying a great cup of gourmet coffee that was given to them by you. There are two ways you can get a coffee gift basket. You can either put one together yourself by picking out items you know they will love and then assembling them together. However if you are pressed for time you can also purchase a pre made coffee gift basket. Either way, you are sure to put a smile on the face of the recipient. This practical gift is always well received.

One thing that you want to be careful of is to make sure the receiver of the gift is not a member of a coffee of the month club or someone who has not just ordered a years supply of their favorite coffee. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing so just to cover your basis it can help to check first.

Take the above warning to heart because I learned this one the hard way after giving my in laws a great big coffee gift basket. Of course they graciously accepted the gift and at the time I was none the wiser. However later in a conversation to them they kind of hinted that they had not had a chance to use much of the coffee. I dug a little deeper only to find out hey were already receiving coffee through a very gourmet coffee of the month club and they just couldn?t drink through all of the coffee they were receiving.

There are many different ways to find this information out before hand and with a little detective work you should be just fine. The first ways to find out is just come right out and ask the person. This might take away a little bit of the surprise when you actually give the gift but 99% of the time people won?t think that far in advance and they will be so happy to receive the gift they won?t mind that you asked. The farther ahead you can ask the better as the more time passes the less people will remember.

Another way around this problem is to ask a few family members or friends of the person you want to give the gift to. Usually this is the best way to find out because you don?t alert gift receiver to anything and you don?t diminish the element of surprise. This also prevents you from sparking the interest in a coffee of the month club if you ask the person you want to give the coffee basket to. After you ask them they might think to themselves, ?Hey that is a great idea I think Iw ill do that.? Then that blows your gift. By asking a family or friend of the person you can find out and still keep everything a secret.

Although if you talk to most coffee lovers you will find that many of them feel you can not have too much coffee at any time. If they already are a member of a coffee of the month club you can still put together a very nice coffee gift basket. Instead of getting tons of coffee in it go from some of the coffee related accessories. A brand new commuter mug or fun mug with pictures in it for drinking coffee at home can be a great idea. There are also chocolates and all sorts of other little treats that can go along well with coffee.
In the end a personalized coffee gift basket filled with wonderful accessories will make a great gift. By putting together a well thought out and personalized gift basket you are sure to warm the heart of the gift receiver.

Espresso Coffee Stand

Espresso And Coffee Supplies

Professionals have fun, what about us? They taste the coffee prior for the buyers. The cuppers (their proper name) get to judge contests, write reviews and so on. However, this experience is available to anyone. Fancy sitting in front of dozens of half-cups of worldwide coffees?

As a cupper, one must taste the flavor, acidity, body, the finer attributes and finish, and smell the aromas. It is simple to reconstruct this experience in your home.

Start with lots of good quality water ? fresh and filtered. Water can spoil even the best of grounds. Water can be stale because it can of airborne odors, sulfur or mildew. Never use softened or distilled water.

You will also need a tray with at least twelve glasses. Grab measuring spoons and scoops. Oh, yes, you need coffee, too!

Boil your water. Grind your beans in a burr. Try varied settings or the one recommended by one-cup coffee makers, if you happen to own one. Remember the right grind equals the perfect cup.

Steep the coffee in your machine for three minutes. Filter your coffee and let it settle. Spoon some into your glass. Sample it and smell the aroma. Concentrate hard on the aroma. Let the coffee trickle all over your tongue. Hold it in your mouth for three seconds and then spit it into a nearby container.

How would you describe it? A hint of wood? Smooth? Acidic? Is it thin or rather syrupy? What about floral or slightly peppered? It is interesting how many types of coffees there are. However, this should come as no surprise as there are so many climates, types of soils and not to mention the ways of preparing them.

Try experimenting with the worlds coffees. Discover that the Mocha from Yemen has a wine like quality, whereas the AA from Kenya is rough and dark. What about the floral coffee from Columbia?

Also try variety - dark down to light; Viennese to American; and fine grind to rather rough. Changing the roast or the grind with the same beans can have different results.

Add about 2 tablespoons or ten grams of your coffee into your machine for every 6 fluid ounces or 180 milliliters of fresh water. Your water should be close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 93 degrees Celsius. However, you can alter this also.

Understand coffee elements. An acidic coffee is tart and dry (Mexican +; Sumatran -). The age and roasting will vary this as well. The aroma can be fruity, floral or herby. Bitterness equals more caffeine (robusta +; arabica -). You will detect this when the coffee reaches the back of your tongue. The body refers to thickness (French versus American). Nuttiness (too many ketones and aldehydes) equals bad beans? Then, is there a sharpness (acid combining with salt)? It is acute in cheap robusta.

Experimenting is fun. Experience new blends, and run them through your machine for the final results.

Espresso And Coffee Supplies

Starbucks Coffee
The History of Coffee

Coffee was discovered in Eastern Africa in an area known as Ethiopia. A popular legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi. One day he noticed his goats acting frisky after eating berries from a bush. Kaldi tried the berries. He found he had renewed energy. The news of this amazing fruit spread throughout the region. Monks started drying the berries to transport to distant monasteries. They reconstituted the berries by soaking them in water. They would eat the fruit and drink the liquid to provide stimulation for a more awakened prayer time. The berries were transported from Ethiopia to the Arabian peninsula and were first cultivated in Yemen. Then coffee travelled to Turkey where beans were roasted for the first time over fires. The beans were crushed and boiled in water, creating a crude version of the coffee of today.

Coffee arrived on the European continent through Venetian trade merchants. The catholics were totally against drinking coffee. In fact they thought the Pope should ban coffee, calling it the "Drink of the Devil'. However the pope had already become an avid coffee drinker. He liked it so much that he blessed it. Coffee houses spread quickly. Many great minds gathered in them for thought and creativity. In the 1700's coffee made its way to the America's by means of a French infantry captain. He travelled with a small plant. It was then transplanted to the Carribean Island of Martinique. There grew 19 million trees within 50 years. Coffee was declared the national drink of the colonized U.S. by Congress. Today coffee is a giant global industry employing more than 20 million people. This commodity ranks second only to Petroleum in its dollars traded worldwide. There are 4 billion cups consumed every year. Coffee is the worlds most popular beverage. In Brazil, over 5 million people are employed in cultivating and harvesting over 3 billion coffee plants. Sales of premium speciality coffees have skyrocketed. Sales have reached the multi-billion dollar level and increase annually. Well that is the history of coffee. It all started with a farmer wanting more energy. Even today most of the world wakes up to a cup of coffee to start thier day. I am one of those people who can't live without coffee, especially in the morning. Due to it's popularity, I am sure I am not the only one.
The History of Coffee

Coffee was discovered in Eastern Africa in an area known as Ethiopia. A popular legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi. One day he noticed his goats acting frisky after eating berries from a bush. Kaldi tried the berries. He found he had renewed energy. The news of this amazing fruit spread throughout the region. Monks started drying the berries to transport to distant monasteries. They reconstituted the berries by soaking them in water. They would eat the fruit and drink the liquid to provide stimulation for a more awakened prayer time. The berries were transported from Ethiopia to the Arabian peninsula and were first cultivated in Yemen. Then coffee travelled to Turkey where beans were roasted for the first time over fires. The beans were crushed and boiled in water, creating a crude version of the coffee of today.

Coffee arrived on the European continent through Venetian trade merchants. The catholics were totally against drinking coffee. In fact they thought the Pope should ban coffee, calling it the "Drink of the Devil'. However the pope had already become an avid coffee drinker. He liked it so much that he blessed it. Coffee houses spread quickly. Many great minds gathered in them for thought and creativity. In the 1700's coffee made its way to the America's by means of a French infantry captain. He travelled with a small plant. It was then transplanted to the Carribean Island of Martinique. There grew 19 million trees within 50 years. Coffee was declared the national drink of the colonized U.S. by Congress. Today coffee is a giant global industry employing more than 20 million people. This commodity ranks second only to Petroleum in its dollars traded worldwide. There are 4 billion cups consumed every year. Coffee is the worlds most popular beverage. In Brazil, over 5 million people are employed in cultivating and harvesting over 3 billion coffee plants. Sales of premium speciality coffees have skyrocketed. Sales have reached the multi-billion dollar level and increase annually. Well that is the history of coffee. It all started with a farmer wanting more energy. Even today most of the world wakes up to a cup of coffee to start thier day. I am one of those people who can't live without coffee, especially in the morning. Due to it's popularity, I am sure I am not the only one. Understanding the sales process to close more salesAndre PlessisUnderstanding The Sales Process To Close More Sales

You may not have put much thought into it but if you are a business owner and sell products and/or services to consumers or/and businesses then you are a sales person. Have you spent enough time understanding the sales process and what it takes to close more sales for your business? If you havent this October Newsletter will help you understand the sales process, how your prospects think and how you can close more sales.

There are two things in your business you need to master and those are marketing and selling skills.

Most marketers dont give a lot of thought to the buying processes of their clients. Thats very unfortunate. Paying attention to the buying process can have a dramatic effect on your revenue. It is extremely important to understand that although people inquire about your products/services, it doesnt mean they are the ideal prospect. There are many reasons why people may not buy your stuff which has nothing to do with you.

Each and every one of us goes through some sort of buying process when we make a purchase decision. At times the process is long as when making a big purchase. At other moments it happens almost without thought when buying an inexpensive item. Sometimes we may be seeking information on a products or service but that doesnt mean we are ready to buy right away. May be we need to be convinced that we are making the right decision.

It is very important that early in the sales process you differentiate the prospect that is on the market to buy and the one WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT HE WANTS. Dont spend much time on the second one; you will be wasting your time and energy.

Generally speaking, the buying process consists of four steps.

Do they really need it?

During this step, shoppers realize they WANT or MAY need something. They realize that they have a problem or a desire, and they choose to find a solution. If this need is strong enough chances are that they will make a quick decision and buy from you or your competition. If the need is not really there, they will just shop around and wont be making a quick decision. That decision could be made in a few months or may be never. It is extremely important that you identify the real prospect to the undecided shopper. It can be very frustrating to deal with those undecided people. You should focus your energy on the real buyers. I consider this stage interview the most critical part of any sales process. The interview is the stage where you try to get to know your customer's needs, concerns, issues, objections, and real desires. It's from the interview that you have enough information to determine how to present your products and services.

Information Search

Once the choice has been made to fill a need or want, the prospects begin to search for information in order to make the best buying decision that is in his/her best interest. Make sure you give all information necessary to help them make a buying decision. You should offer some way for the prospect to remember you, such as brochures and catalogs, a way to bookmark your site, newsletter etc.) Free samples, test drives, free report and other means of trial work extremely well to guide the prospect through the information search stage and onto the evaluation and purchase stages. In this particular state of the buying process make sure to educate the process as much as and make sure you differentiate your company from the competition.
In that particular stage you will need to do two things. Educate your prospect and create an interest.

When educating your prospect on your products/services, be sure to present reasons for them to buy. Remember…solve a need, problem, or improve a current situation. The Key: Give them reasons to buy.
Your recommendation shows the customer your personal efforts and interest in helping him. He will be able to compare your products and services to the competition, and see the difference (if there is any). This should bring out his final objections, giving you the opportunity to answer all his questions.

Your recommendation should be designed to relate value to your customer. Here is where your product or service begins showing logical and practical solutions to the customers problems, needs, and goals. This is where you lay out your plan of action and explain how the process will work for your prospect. This step will also uncover and give you the opportunity to handle objections.

Find out about their objections

Often the trial close will lead to objections. You might say, "So which program do you feel most comfortable with?" (That's a soft form of the trial close.) Your customer will probably respond with objections (e.g., price, features, delivery, no time, or no need). During this step, don't' try to counter the objections. Continue the interview and learn all you can about their objections and challenges. You need to help them make a decision and they need to be reassured they are making the right decision. Try to learn whether the objections are honest or made up because the prospect doesn't want to hurt your feelings, or genuinely isn't interested in buying at this time.

Handle objections

Your options are to rebuttal an objection, change your offer, or provide other incentives. But make sure you do the homework and actually follow up with the prospect. Occasionally, you will find an objection is legitimate and you really can't meet the prospect's needs. Be honest, wish him luck then walk away. Dont waste your time with undecided people who do not know what they want.

Evaluation

After your prospects have collected all the information they feel is necessary and you have answered all their objections, they begin to evaluate their options and narrow their choices until they finally pick the one thing that they are comfortable with, and that they can afford. This is the time to follow-up with your prospects. Is there additional information they need in order to choose your company? Did they have any issues with the free sample that can be corrected? Your presence during the evaluation stage is important, so do your best to retain customer contact information in order to offer any additional information the buyer might need.

Purchase

Once all the information has been evaluated, a purchase is made, and your customer walks hopefully happy.

Why people really buy.

People buy for their own reasons, NOT FOR YOURS. Until you know your customers reasons for wanting, or not wanting, to buy your product/service…you are in the dark! It doesnt matter how many reasons you give for believing your product/service is a great buy, they will mean nothing unless your customer has VERY GOOD reasons to buy from you. Customers face new challenges every day that can alter their needs for your products/services. The key is to stay in contact with your prospects…and ALWAYS ask questions to learn where they are in terms of needing your product/service.

If a prospect avoids making the decision to buy from you, its typically because they have no sense of urgency to buy or they may not be convinced that your products/services will solve a problem they have. Your challenge is to prove to the prospect that buying now is best for them and you must be able to offer support and real reasons why. What will they miss if they wait even one more day? What will they miss if they dont buy from YOU? Make sure you emphasize on the potential opportunities if they go ahead and get started on the program NOW. WHY is it important for them to buy now? In other words, whats in it for them? Remember…the reason a customer buys your product or service is because of what it can do for them. JUST TELL THEM.

Know Your Competition

We all have competition. When you call on a prospect, you will likely encounter a situation where the prospect knows your competitors. In order to sell all the reasons why YOUR product or service is best for the prospect…you need to know as much as possible about your competitors. This allows you to explain why your product/service is better than the rest to solve a specific need of your client.

Why is my product/service best?

In order to make a decision to buy your product and/or service, a buyer will need specific information about you, your company, your products, services, etc. Provide them with specifics on your reliability, special features of your products and services and where you stand in your industry. Tell a complete story of why they should buy from YOU rather than your competition. TESTIMONIALS ARE POWERFUL. CREDENTIALS ARE IMPORTANTL. If you belong to a specific organization such as BBB, it may help you tremendously close a deal.

What about those prospects that is not ready to buy?

Simply follow up regularly with them through direct mail, phone calls, or newsletters. That allows you to build credibility which you may not have been able to build earlier. Many individuals are not ready to buy right away but after, 6, 7, 8 follow up they may be ready.
Understanding each step in the buying process can help you structure your selling process and your marketing materials to cater to the prospects. Take the time to consider what your customer goes through when making the choice to buy, and alter your business accordingly. In doing so, you will increase your chances of making more sales.

In the sales profession you are the company, the product, the service. What you do and how you do it will impact your success. Perfect your sales skills by asking and answering questions, overcoming objections, and provide reasons to buy your products/services. Tell your story, create a need, solve a problem, handle follow-up procedures correctly and you will be on your way to great success.

Golden rule: PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE THEY LIKE AND TRUST.

Andre Plessis
Author & Marketing Expert
SmartBizConnection
http://smartbizconnection.com
The Smartest Way To Grow Your Business!

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Phone: (888) 872- 2285 / Direct: (818) 341- 2972 Sell at the top — enjoy greater success!Frank Williams
As a former CEO of a good size industrial company, I always found it strange that I didn't have more salespeople call me directly. Did they know I always answered my own phone? Did they not intuitively understand that, at some point, I would be involved in any major buying decision? Did they not grasp that getting to know me and understand my thinking would be a smart move in closing any sales with my firm? And, to me, starting at the top seems to be the best place to begin any sales cycle, yet my phone rarely had salesman attached to the other end and many studies on sales techniques confirm this.

Would you be surprised to find out that more than seventy-five percent of high-level decision makers are involved early-on in any major buying process? A more shocking statistic yields that less than five percent of all salespeople talk to the high-level decision maker. Why is this?

Global Marketing, Inc. held discussions with many salespeople about this inhibitor to greater sales achievement. Lack of business knowledge, low confidence or no experience connecting with high-level decision makers is the most common feedback as to why these sales people don't start at the top. Global Marketing suggests that if you have these individuals in your organization - route them out fast or train them how to approach and close on high-level decision makers, or your competitor will!

Selling at the highest level in any account makes good selling sense. Calling on these top-level people means talking to someone who has the ability to say "yes" or "no" to your idea. Going straight to the top means shorter sales cycle, better treatment, and will create additional pull for your idea. Those that sell at the top usually find there is less competition because (as earlier stated) most salespeople are too intimidated to call on the top decision maker. And when was the last time you heard a top decision maker suggest that they don't have the budget for an idea they like.

Failure to call at a high level within a targeted business come with a variety of salespeople rationalizations. Many individuals we spoke to said they were afraid to go over the head of their lower-level contact in fear of offending them. Others stated they feel intimidated by the top level decision makers.

Other on-going 'myths' surrounding senior level decision makers:

I'll never get by the screener to gain an appointment.
These people have more important things to do.
These are smart people with Yale or Harvard MBA's.
Most high-level decision makers hate salespeople.
Successful sales people I know don't buy-into these or other myths. Remember, that high-level decision makers did not reach the top by being aloof. Many organizations promote from within and these top people usually recognize the importance of meeting with key decision makers. Besides, in today's business, most organizations are flatter making the key decision maker more accessible. However, the bottom line for any solid sales approach is to bring something of value to the high-level decision maker - this will ensure you will always get their attention.

Working and connecting with high-level decision makers takes a practice and a willingness to plan your sales call. Recognize that you must understand how high-level decision makers operate. Typically, they are more direct. No long-winded chat-chat for these guys. They like to control meetings and are more strategic in their thinking and decision making. Something that may take lower-level contact months to decide may be acted on immediately by the high-level decision maker. They take measured risks and make calculated decisions, so don't waste their time by presenting canned presentations, or lack an understanding of their business — usually these high-level decision makers are looking for you to make a difference in their business, not just make a deal.

As a young salesman, a person I came to respect gave me some sage advice — "begin as you mean to continue". Have your salespeople start at the top. Your business will achieve more and your competitors will envy you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Starbucks Coffee

Coffee Maker And Espresso Maker

The humble coffeepot may be one of the most familiar items in every coffee-drinking household around the world. It is practically anywhere people drink coffee. Coffee pots may differ in shapes, sizes, materials, and treatments. From ancient campfires and hearths to the modern kitchen and breakfast nook, coffeepots are one of the more prominent figures.

As a Wedding Gift

Like the blender and the bread toasters, coffeepots are among the more popular items in a bridal registry. From the delicate china and glass to the stainless steel and brass variety, coffeepots are among those that do not fail to attract a couple's wish list. Wedding guests who want to make their gifts unique sometimes opt for the metal variety of coffee pots, because these pots can have an engraving and may last for decades without losing its functionality.

As Decoration

Over time, coffeepots were transformed into wonderful pieces of artwork. Shapes and sizes varies, some of which are clearly meant not only for practical use due to the more delicate treatment but as conversation pieces. The elegant design of many coffee pots, whether done on purpose or not, could add grace to any kitchen and complement match every conceivable design and kitchen motif.

Its ease of use, practicality and popularity gave way to another form of coffee pot.

Press-Style Coffee Pots

Another form of the coffee pot though was introduced in the middle of the 19th century, the coffee press pot. The coffee pot's progression into a press coffee pot came even after the vacuum brewer was already a popular coffee-brewing machine.

Contrary to what many people think and even with the popularity of different coffee machines and coffee makers, the coffee press pot, when used with a little preparation, can deliver the richest coffee ever produced. With proper preparation you may also have a very clean brew.

While an exceptional brew will always depend on the kind and quality of beans, the roasting process used, and the water, the one thing that you should never do when preparing coffee is to skimp on the grinder. That factor is vital with any other coffee-making machine as well. For the press pot, the grinding type is even more vital.

The common opinion is that modern electronic coffee making machines can produce higher quality coffee. It isn't true. When one uses a low-quality grinder that produces low-quality grounds, the most expensive coffee maker or coffee brewer can't produce a perfect cup of coffee. Hence the better grinder you have, the higher the quality of coffee that you can brew because it will allow you to extract the best possible flavor from your coffee beans.

To make good coffee with the coffee pot press, coffee grounds must be of uniform size. No cheap grinder can do that. Try it for yourself. What a coffee press pot needs is uniformly large grounds. Tiny grounds will make it hard for you to use the coffee press pot, as the press filter will clog. Mixed large and tiny grounds will clog the press filter as well. The coarseness of the grind is important.

The type of filter will also play a very important role in producing a fresh, clean brew. Metal and paper filters will not manage the finer grinds that nylon filters do.

To get the best out of the coffee press pot may require a little more preparation but the coffee press pot can serve a rich, clean, high quality coffee than is delivered by its more modern counterparts.

About the Author:

Richard Brown is an author for several web sites, on products and shopping | Coffee Maker And Espresso Maker | and tips for shopping | Coffee Maker And Espresso Maker | topics.

Coffee Maker And Espresso Maker

Edwin Gillies Coffee History

Coffee has been a drink that people consume everyday, especially during breakfast. There are many negative reports on consuming coffee mainly due to its caffeine. A study reported in the Archives of Internal medicine that there is a link between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, it is still not clear that whether the protective effect is due caffeine or other ingredients presented in coffee.

Diabetes has been considered a risk factor of heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes develops when pancreas does not make enough insulin or when insulin cannot be used by the body properly. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugars into energy. This form of diabetes is commonly found among people aged 40 and above, especially those overweight and physically inactive.

The study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, examined over 28,000 postmenopausal women over a period of 11 years (1986 -1997). Women who drank more than 6 cups of coffee per day were less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Those who drank decaffeinated coffee showed a further reduced risk.

Questions were answered by these women about risk factors for diabetes, and details given about their lifestyle and beverage consumption (including regular and decaffeinated coffee). After adjusting the data for other risk factors for diabetes, it was found that women who drank more than 6 cups of any type of coffee daily were 22 percent less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. Those who drank more than 6 cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 33-percent reduced risk.

The overall intake of caffeine did not appear to be related to diabetes risk, suggesting that another ingredient in coffee might have contributed to the effect. The researchers suggested that magnesium, and other minerals and nutrients found in coffee bean such as polyphenols and antioxidants, may be responsible for this beneficial effect. However, further studies are required to ascertain this.

Other experts expressed some concerns about this study. Firstly, the participants were only limited to postmenopausal women and so are not representative of the population. Secondly, there is no objective measure to ensure that the reported diet or incidence of diabetes were accurate because data were collected from self-administrative questionnaires. Thirdly, there are many kinds of foods containing hundreds of different phytochemicals and antioxidants. It may not be appropriate to simply rely on any single food to obtain these nutrients. Finally, taking too much coffee can cause side effects. More than 3 cups of coffee a day can cause nervousness, stomach distress, insomnia, and for some people, irregular heartbeat.

While awaiting further research confirmation about the beneficial effect of drinking coffee, people with diabetes, however, still need to maintain healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and more importantly, maintain a healthy body weight.

Edwin Gillies Coffee History

Sivetz Coffee RoasterMany people have turned to organic fruits and vegetables (and even meats) in recent years, striving to live healthier, longer lives. You may be one of these people. But did you know that organic coffee is now available, too? If you can't find it at your local health food store, then you can definitely find it online.

How Organic Coffee Differs From Traditional Coffee

The coffee plant has traditionally been grown in the company of shade trees and other food and cash crops. This approach made for healthier soil and prevented water contamination. Unfortunately, many coffee growers have abandoned this approach in favor of larger crops and hence larger profits. However, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers have become necessary to maintain these crops, and along with them the taste of the coffee has suffered, the soil has suffered, and no one knows the potential impact they may have on the future health of the coffee consumer.

In addition, the loss of the shade trees has had a direct impact on migratory song birds. While an obvious connection may not immediately come to mind, the relationship has actually been symbiotic. These birds used the shade trees as their habitat as they migrated, and as a result they provided a natural defense against many of the bugs and pests that can ruin a coffee crop. Without them, pesticides must be used to do the job.

Unlike the large, commercial coffee plantations, organic coffees are generally grown on small farms with plenty of shade cover. There are plenty of migratory birds to control insects, and pesticides are unnecessary. In fact, the United States requires that organic coffees be grown on shaded land and be completely chemical free for three consecutive years.

Tips For A Great Cup of Organic Coffee

Whole beans should be used within a week of purchase in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee.

Avoid vacuum-packed coffee, even organic vaccum-packed coffee. The process of vacuum packing cannot be done immediately after roasting. The coffee must sit for nearly a week before it can be vacuum-packed. This degrades much of the flavor.

Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, not on the shelf in the paper bag you brought them home with from the store. And in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee, you should grind only the amount you intend to use just before brewing.

Whole coffee beans that will be stored longer than a week should be placed in an airtight glass container that's kept in the freezer.

As with any coffee blend, organic or not, grind the beans according to the brewing method you intend to use. Keep in mind that if you grind your beans too fine your coffee may end up bitter and muddy; if you don't grind them enough, your coffee may end up flavorless.

Often overlooked, many people consider the most important step toward a good cup of coffee to be the proportion of water to coffee. Experts recommend 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water.

In Conclusion

While you will pay more for organic coffee, just as you'll generally pay more for organic fruits and vegetables, choosing organic coffee promotes the environment, the health of the coffee grower, and your health, too. Just as important for coffee drinkers everywhere: organic coffee tastes as good if not better than non-organic coffee.

D. Silva is the webmaster for Coffee Pleasures, | Sivetz Coffee Roaster | a website about coffee, | Sivetz Coffee Roaster | coffee flavors, coffee makers, and more.

Sivetz Coffee Roaster

Best Coffee Makers

One of the most famous substances that coffee is known
for is caffeine. Caffeine is one of nature's natural stimulants.
As a stimulant, coffee has the tendency to increase a
persons heart rate, increase or cause insomnia, increases the
senses, makes the brain function at a higher level, acts as a
diuretic, and increases the blood flow through out the body.
This may sound pleasant to many individuals. However, other
people do not receive this stimulating affect with the
appreciative attitude as others. Of course, coffee
manufacturers do not want to leave anyone out of the loop.
They have revolutionized a whole new type of coffee bean:
decaf gourmet coffee beans.

The trick for coffee manufacturers is to not negatively affect
the taste and aroma of the coffee in the decaf process.
During the decaf process, the coffee beans are soaked to
remove the excess oils and materials that contain the
caffeine. Once the coffee beans are soaked appropriately,
the coffee beans are roasted as usual for premium coffee.
This intensive process creates the best decaf gourmet
coffee that is later exported around the world. Which means
it soon finds itself safely packaged and shipped to a retail
shop near you.

It is important to remember that Arabic coffee, not Robust
coffee, is used to create the best decaf gourmet coffee.
Arabic coffee is grown in hot and dry areas. The higher the
altitude, the denser the coffees bean. A denser coffee bean
means a better decaf gourmet coffee for consumers around
the world. In addition, only Arabic beans contain the high
quality needed for gourmet coffee beans: both decaf and
regular coffee. Moisture in a growing coffee bean stunts the
productive growth and creates a less flavorful and aromatic
coffee bean.

Decaf gourmet coffee comes in most of the same options
and choices as the regular coffee beans. Many people notice
a unique, different taste associated with decaf gourmet
coffee. However, many people agree that the unique
features contained within gourmet decaf coffee bring a
pleasant and refreshing change. Those that enjoy a truly
good cup of coffee, get the coffee without the stimulating
factors associated with regular coffee. Deciding to try decaf
coffee is an opportunity to try something unique. Although
decaf coffee is similar to regular coffee, the difference is
more evident to many coffee drinkers. Drinking decaf may
take time to adjust too.

Decaf coffee is usually sold along side regular coffee in all
retail shops. The specialty coffees are commonly in both
regular and decaf as well. Decaf and regular coffees are sold
side-by-side in retail shops. Decaf coffee customers are
increasing and growing in strength and as they grow, coffee
manufacturers are recognizing the importance of meeting
the demands of both markets equally. Opportunity has
called, and coffee manufacturers have met the cry. Take a
look at those decaf coffees along side your regular coffee.
For a coffee experience minus the stimulating affect of
caffeine, give decaf gourmet coffee a chance.

About the Author

Tana has been an avid coffee and tea drinker her whole life. She has tried more than 100 different varieties of coffee and tea. At her site, Tana reveals to you her delicious secret blends of coffee and tea that she has experienced through her years. To learn more aboutgourmet flavored coffee | Best Coffee Makers | visit http://www.thelittleteahouse.com | Best Coffee Makers |

Best Coffee Makers