Marketing Advisor Update

Sales and marketing tips, insights and advice for service businesses amd companies selling complex or technical products.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

3 Steps to Sell More.

I'm going to let you in on a secret.

It's an important part of my Selling With Confidence workshop.

If you don't really want to be a salesperson, but have to sell anyway, you are not alone. Most business owners, professionals, technical staff and service providers dind't choose to have a
career in sales. But they still need to sell to get more clients and increase revenue.

Here's the good news...

If you're trying to win more business from your sales discussions there is a three-step strategy to help you zero-in on exactly what your client wants.

And if you do this properly your client will quickly trust you and clearly understand how you will be able to help them.

They will see the 'value' you are offering and be eager to be your client.

= = = =

Most sales people waste their customer's time by:

- Not listening
- Talking too much
- Not really understanding what the customer wants
- Sprouting off about their services or products

= = = =

A January 09 survey of 230 buyers of professional services found the top way professionals sabotage their own sales conversations is by 'not listening'.

'Talking too much' was also one of the most highly rated problems.

You can do better than that.

Next time you have a potential client in front of you try the following process.

Note - this process will build trust and enable you to learn what your prospect really wants. It will lead to you being able to present a strong case for your product or service that is closely tied to what your client is looking to achieve.

It will prevent you from talking too much.

It will help you win more business.

Ask questions using my S.O.X. (TM) methodology:

S = Situation questions
O = Opportunity questions
X = aXtion questions

Ask 'Situation' questions to discover the facts behind the prospects current situation. What is driving their decision now? What do they know about your services/products?

Ask 'Opportunity' questions to identify the scope of their needs. Sure, they may have a problem, but is it big enough for them to want you to fix it? Will they spend the money? What is their opportunity? What is in it for them?

Ask 'aXtion' questions to gain approval to move into the presentation phase. Your presentation may happen immediately after asking your S.O.X. (TM) questions, or maybe you have to meet with other decision makers on another day to present your solution.

Importantly, your presentation will emphasise the key points you discovered from the Situation and Opportunity questions. You will be able to specifically show a strong connection between what they want, and what you are offering.

This is a simple yet highly effective strategy.

However it is critically important you develop your own set of questions that demonstrate your expertise, and that are suitable for your services, and your type of client.

Then you can use those questions to guide the sales conversation, build trust, and gain commitment from your prospect.


Related link:
Consultative Sales Training

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