(Cont'd)

There’s nothing worse than a desperate sales person. Even if you’re dead broke, never let a prospect sense that. Act like you’re in demand and sought after. Play hard to get.

If someone is stringing you along tell them know you sense they’ve lost interest. Offer to return any documents they’ve given you. They’ll either quickly exclaim their interest or bow out gracefully. Either way, you win.

3. Make sure you know what your prospects want & need.
Many sales people feel they have to convince prospects they need what the sales person has to offer. Before you start touting the benefits of your product, find out what’s important to them. Everyone does not need what you have; most people won’t even care.

Focus on identifying their needs first. Keep reminding them of what they want to accomplish then help them understand how your product meets those needs (if it does). If it’s not a perfect match, acknowledge that and move on to someone who needs you more.

3. Have a customizable script or outline.
Anticipate the likely concerns or problems (not objections) different prospects might have for which your product is a solution. “I help business owners who are frustrated by… fed up with … and concerned about…” By customizing your conversation, your prospects will feel like you really understand them and their situation and will be more open to what you have to say.

4. Always know what the next step is.
Don’t ever end a call or meeting without knowing exactly what’s going to happen in the next two steps. If they’ve asked you to submit a proposal (step 1), find out exactly what happens after the proposal is in (step 2).

5. Sell to the highest person possible.
While it may be more comfortable talking with people lower in the hierarchy, they are rarely the decision maker. Your sales will go a lot faster if you start at the top. Even if the CEO doesn’t make decisions about products you offer, it’s still better getting introduced to the VP of Widgets by the CEO that trying to convince the VP that he or she needs you.

6. Never give up.
According to the National Sales Association:
2% of sales are made on the 1st contact
3% of sales are made on the 2nd contact
5% of sales are made on the 3rd contact
10% of sales are made on the 4th contact
80% of sales are made on the 5th – 12th contact!!!!

Stand out from the crowd and ride the wave of success!