How To Improve Your Sales Skills

Jun

2010

Posted on 18:20, June 28th, 2010 by mpkoontz

From housing to clothing to electronics to manufacturing goods, competition in the market is fierce and sales people have to cope with clients who want more for less. Never has there been a more difficult time for the sales sector, so salespeople must learn to adapt to this evolving market. Many companies are spending big bucks to conduct sales training programs that will give their employees the sales skills they need to deal with demanding customers. In this article, we’ll share some of those coveted skills with you.

Believe it or not, the right tone of voice can improve team sales. Think about it – would you rather spend your money with someone who sounds enthusiastic about the product you’re purchasing or with someone who sounds like they’d rather be watching paint peel? Sounding enthusiastic and confident isn’t enough. There are subtle ways to use your voice to encourage consumer confidence. Always be aware of your tone and what it’s conveying. Do you sound rushed or bored? Grab a friend or colleague and have them listen to your sales pitch and get their honest feedback. Voice inflection is another factor to be conscious of because it can help you emphasis your main points. One of the most important things to be aware of is your energy. Too much energy will make you sound insincere and too little energy will convey the message that you can’t wait to get away. Try to moderate your energy and save your ‘up’ moments for when you’re talking about your product’s best assets and how the product will benefit your customer. To perfect the sound of your sales presentation, practice and record yourself with a tape or video recorder. It will allow you to see and hear how you present yourself to potential clients.

In developing sales skills, the first step for salespeople is initiating contact with potential clients. This introduction is crucial to making a sale. If your job involves cold calling, don’t call during prime business hours because management who make purchasing decisions are often too busy to listen to your sales pitch. Instead, leave a message at night. Since they will get the message first thing in the morning, they’re more likely to return your call. When speaking to potential clients, ask them what their specific needs are and base your sales pitch on what your product can do for them. Use phrases like “just thought you might be interested in this” because it indicates that you are thinking of them and wish to be a resource. It’s the best way of encouraging them to listen to your presentation.

Your own personality is the most valuable tool among your arsenal of selling skills. Whether you are on the phone or are meeting the client face-to-face, never underestimate the power of a smile. It encourages the customer to feel comfortable and trust you. Most sales skills training seminars will encourage you to ’sell, sell, sell’ but you’re more likely to make more sales if you become an advisor instead of a salesperson. Developing a trusting relationship with your client encourages repeat business. Adding a human touch to your presentation is an extremely effective way of boosting sales. Follow up your sale with a thank you call or note, and make sure that your customer is satisfied with both the product and your performance.

The most valuable tool in your arsenal of sales skills is your personality, so add a human touch to each and every sales presentation. Smile, be sincere in wanting to know what your customer needs, and always keep your promises. With so many people and companies in financial crisis nowadays, trust is more important than ever. Even if it means making a smaller sale, do not try high pressure sales tactics. Cater to your customers’ needs and budget. This approach will pay off later on when they are in a better financial situation. When they can afford to spend more, they’ll buy from you.

Rene Lacape is a seasoned insurance agent. He has been dealing with both corporate and individual accounts for several years up to the present. If you need him, you can check his website and give him a call. Act now.