Wednesday, April 13, 2011

How to Multiply Sales - Persuasion Secrets

By Yuki Sano


You will almost certainly go all the way through many guides and waste extensive time of exploration on subjects similar to negotiation education, business tactics and techniques, resource management and apparently, selling. However, certainly one of the most important instruments that a vendor must have in order to be profitable in selling, is persuasion.

Unfortunately, it doesn't happen that way much of the time. In fact, I'm sure you can probably identify plenty of instances where the communications loop isn't completed.

Don't Focus on Selling Yourself. One of the worst things about most elevator pitches is the fact that they sound like a sales pitch. This sends a distinct message--I'm only interested in you if you are willing to hire me. That message will secure some interest, but it won't lead to as many valuable connections. Instead, focus your elevator pitch on the problems you solve for others through what you do. For example, a continuous improvement specialist might say something like, "I work with businesses that are concerned that the processes they have been using in the past aren't keeping them competitive in this sluggish market. Many of the companies I've worked with have discovered that they are paying too much for the things they use to run their business after I run an analysis. What makes my approach unique it the fact I use a payment model that ensures the business experiences significant value. I'm committed to saving money, or I don't get paid." This pitch doesn't use the term "continuous improvement." It tells what continuous improvement does for the customer. That should be your goal. Pitch the benefits not the sale.

Even though you are just trying to be a persuasive groceries seller, you must be familiar with what you are selling. Customers are likely to be asking and you are the single one who may answer. You would not like to purchase from somebody who himself is uncertain on what he is selling. If you can't answer, in that case you can't sell. You can't sell something you know anything about.

Don't Let Your Attention Wander. If you can't keep your attention focused on someone for the length of time it takes to exchange pitches, you'll cut off communication. Genuine engagement must begin with a willingness to take genuine interest in others. Looking off in the distance or looking around after opening dialog through your pitch sends a message, I'm really not that interested in you.

Don't Go Into Details. You may be excited about what you do, but don't launch into a major discussion unless you receive extremely positive feedback that this is desired. You need to remember that another person's time is valuable. Keep your pitch simple. It's better to avoid squeezing in too much information. Be prepared for potential questions and offer details as they are asked for.

Don't Memorize What You Are Going to Say. You should have a clear idea of what you want to say, but don't memorize your pitch word for word. You want to be natural and genuine. A memorized spiel rarely does.

Don't Focus on Sales. It's especially easy for someone who is outgoing to turn an elevator pitch into a full marketing campaign. Occasionally the timing might be right, but usually it's better to avoid pitching for potential sales. Focus instead on making meaningful connections. You never know when a connection may send business your way.




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