Everyone sells, one way or another. As parents, we sell our children on our belief systems and our values. In courtship, we sell ourselves to our prospective partners. At work, we sell ourselves every day to our employers and our co-workers.

However, there’s something keeping us from doing the best job of selling in every situation. It’s the fear of rejection. And, rejection most often comes in the shape of one of the smallest words in the English language–”no.” Isn’t it amazing how such a small word can have such a huge impact on us? (more…)

If I asked a room full of experienced salespeople how many of them qualify their clients, every hand would go up. If I asked that same group to define qualification, the answers would probably vary to the extent that a newcomer in sales would be somewhat confused. If I then asked these experienced salespeople to deliver their qualification sequence to the group, I’d have to guess that many would not be able to do so. Too few salespeople, even veterans, have proven, practiced methods of qualification. And that’s a sad truth. (more…)

Have you ever heard this from a potential client: “Okay. Well, thanks for the information. I want to shop around and will get back to you if this is really what I want.” Unless you’ve only been in business a day or two, you have.

In most cases what are they really saying to you? They’re saying, “I want to know if I can get it cheaper somewhere else.” It’s usually a money issue when you hear those words. Occasionally, the client will not really be certain that the product meets their needs and be looking for other colors, options, or services along similar lines to what you have offered. (more…)

If you’ve been in business longer than a week, you’ve probably heard this objection from at least one potential new client: “It just costs too much.” Or, you might have heard it in this way, “I’m really interested but I think I can get it cheaper somewhere else.”

Everyone wants a bargain, but not everyone really believes they can get your product somewhere else for less. And, many who use this line will never invest the time required to shop around for a better price anyway. So, how do you handle this situation? (more…)

You’ve just invested the last 30 minutes of your day with someone who truly needs your product or service. You feel like you’re on a roll. That your product is truly good for them and they can afford it.

It began when they explained what they were looking for when you first met. They answered all of your questions about their more specific needs. They listened intently to your explanations, watched your demonstration carefully, handled the product, selected colors or sizes that would work for them. Basically, they seemed very involved and moving toward the purchase. Then, the brakes went on. They just stopped. Then, they started hedging, asking questions you had already answered and physically backing away either by sitting back in their chair, crossing their arms or literally leaning or stepping slightly backwards.

What happened? (more…)

In the business of selling products and services, you’re bound to hear objections or concerns that interfere with or slow down the sales process. When it comes right down to it, most objections or concerns can be addressed or overcome. Usually, it’s just a matter of clarifying information about the product. Sometimes it can involve switching gears to another product entirely, but most challenges can be overcome. (more…)