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I’ve always felt that the phone is one of the most awesome tools we have available, especially to salespeople. We’ve all had years of experience using a phone, so why are so many people bad at using it? Here are a few tips I’d like to pass on to you with the help of Art
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A friendly voice makes for a great connection.Once you reach a decision-maker, it’s important to first ask if this is a good time to talk. Start the conversation with good news and have a positive close. Focus on the prospect and listen to what they have to say. Sobczak says, “You must answer, ‘What’s in it for me?’ for the listener, or they will immediately begin the getting-rid-of-you process.” If people have questions, be prepared. Have the information handy or know where you can get it fast. Ask only one question at a time and avoid questions such as, “Is everything going OK? What are your needs? Are you having any problems now? How is your service?” Then quantify the problem whenever possible. “How does that happen? How much do you think that is costing you? How much time does that take?” Sobczak says: “Resist the tendency to present. Some reps get so excited when they hear the slightest hint of an opportunity that they turn on the spigot of benefits.” When it’s finally time to get a commitment, think big and ask large. Buyers will often move down from a large recommendation, but they rarely move up from a small one. Remember to never ask for more than what is in the best interest of the customer. The important thing is to ask for a decision. “Maybe” is the worst answer a salesperson can get because a maybe can last forever. There will always be objections, so be prepared for them and resist the tendency to be defensive. If you have an indecisive prospect, Sobczak advises that you get their mind off the buying decision and on the problem or pain. For example, “Jan, let’s look at this another way. What would happen if you did nothing about the situation?” Chances are you will be sending some information out to the prospective customer. Tell them what to look for and make it meaningful. Always summarize the agreed-to actions by both parties to avoid disagreements. Keep your attitude up despite dealing with rejection. Rejection is a part of life. But you can’t let the fear of rejection paralyze you from the start, or you’ll never get any sales. Sobczak says: “Imagine every day is the end-of-quota-period day,” noting that sales reps tend to pick up their pace when they reach this time and try to get a few more sales. Take pride in how to properly use the phone because few people in the world do it well. It’s difficult to persuade someone to take action and make a decision based almost solely on the words and ideas that come from your mouth. Continuously work at improving your phone skills and watch your business improve. It may never replace face-to-face interaction, but a friendly voice makes for a great connection. Mackay’s Moral: You can ring up more business when you dial up your phone skills. Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times best-seller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com.
