Pairing a product with a person who will be better off owning it is the basis of good sales.The job of a salesman is to match desires and needs with material solutions.A great salesman will seek an arrangement where everyone gets what they want if the customer thinks they'll benefit from the purchase.A sale involves more than just the product.If you want to become an exceptional salesman, you need to sell a trustworthy image of yourself as well.
Step 1: It's a good idea to dress in a way that suits the circumstance.
If you want to maximize your sales potential, you need to look your best.Dressing up in your finest suit isn't necessarily what this means.You should dress the way you think your customer will feel most comfortable.Formal business wear is fairly standard in upper-level business spheres, but more casual settings might favour casual dress.If you want to impress the customer with your professionalism and adhere to the workplace's dress code, you also need to be friendly.You need to consider how your boss will react to your wardrobe before making a sale under someone else.If you're unsure, semi-formal business wear fits most business situations.It is better to be formal than casual.It will be harder for the customer to respect you if you are too casual.If you want to make a sale work, you need to be respected.
Step 2: Be on time.
Punctuality is an incredibly simple way to impress a customer and just about anyone else you'll be dealing with.Being absolutely ready for whatever time you set to meet is what this means.You are expected to arrive fifteen minutes earlier.By coming early, you'll have time to adjust to any unforeseen problems.It's important that you feel less stressed when you're on time.If you're prone to stress, getting to a sales meeting early will give you time to relax.
Step 3: It's important to attract the kind of customer you want.
Knowing what you have to offer and the kind of person you're selling to is part of a great sales routine.If you have the ideal customer in mind, you can imagine the kind of salesman they would be most inclined to buy from.Predicting your ideal customer's ideal salesman will inform the way you present yourself.The more specific the type of customers you attract, the easier it will be for you.
Step 4: Know who your customer is.
Being aware of the circumstances and desires of whoever you're selling to is just as important as the product itself.What are your customer's needs?How might those desires be sated by the product you have to offer?Being able to see things from the other person's point-of-view is the key to positive, mutually beneficial interaction.You can assume a lot about what the customer needs even if you don't know them personally.Customers coming to one location are looking for the same things.If you've dealt with a lot of customers in the past, you may have seen some patterns emerge.If it's another professional you're selling to, you should check out his LinkedIn profile and look into his industry to get a better idea of what he is looking for.
Step 5: Increase your chances with the customer.
Within the first few minutes of meeting with a prospective customer, you should be able to determine how likely the sale is to go through.It's best to speed the process along if you suspect the customer doesn't have the funds to pay for your product.Although all customers should be treated with patience and respect, you don't want to waste time helping other people.
Step 6: You should engage with your customer.
You should engage with your prospective customer as if they were a friend, rather than just a business associate.Many people have a negative perception of sales representatives because of the stigma.You must show interest in the customer in order to have a positive relationship.Asking how they're doing today or how their trip to the meeting was can be very simple.Actively engaging means not having prepared sales pitches.Even if the pitch is well-presented, customers will find it hard to engage with it if they think it has been memorised.You could say "It's great to have you here" to appear warm to your customer.Did you have a good trip?
Step 7: The customer should be put first.
If you put your customers needs before your own, you can maximize your chances of selling a product.People are quick to notice when someone sincerely cares about them, and even quicker to tell when they're getting the short end of the stick.It is the only way to make the customer believe you are on their side.If you can't figure out how to manifest this idea in a real-life sales situation, try to picture yourself in the other person's shoes.What do the customer want?What will it take for him to leave the meeting feeling happy and satisfied?
Step 8: Know your product.
You cannot hope to sell something if you don't know what it is or how it will benefit someone.You should take time to analyze the product you're pitching, whether it's a used television or a hot stock.Try to see it in a different way.Potential buyers are driven by emotions as much as logic, so it's important to consider subjectivity in your analysis.A hot stock is a dream of making a lot of money quickly, but it also carries a logical risk and reward.If you look at successful marketing campaigns, you'll see that products are rarely sold due to superior technical specifications or logical reasons.Some might call it a "coolness" factor, but consumers are more driven by egocentrism.A large portion of a consumer base will be willing to purchase a product if it meets a basic standard of function.
Step 9: As part of the customer's ideal lifestyle, frame the product.
All people are trying to get their ideal of a good life.Most people want the same things: success, relative comfort, and the respect of their peers.It doesn't matter what the product is, it has to benefit or improve the customer's life for it to be effective.You can synthesise what you know about the customer's needs and the benefits of the product.If there is overlap, build your sales pitch.Someone selling a new refrigerator might point out how it will benefit the customer's energy efficiency and ease-of-use when compared to their current model.
Step 10: It's time to close the deal.
The act of selling itself is what makes a sales process complete.Whether it's an exchange of cash or a lease, make the transaction applicable.It's never a good idea to be too confident before a deal is done.On occasion, customers will get cold feet at the last minute and duck out, and acting like you've already won them over before that time may put undue pressure on them.Don't take too long to close the deal.When it comes time to finalize a sale, it's natural to be nervous.A salesman doesn't like having his pitch rejected.If you leave a sale in progress for too long, your business may be stolen by more aggressive competition.
Step 11: Do a follow-up.
There are two reasons to get in touch with a customer.Even if you've already sealed the deal with them, you can still contact them later to inquire about their experience with the product.If you get feedback from a customer, you can get advice on your sales approach.Most business environments have returning customers where you are going to make the majority of your money.A special discount or offer is a great way of persuading customers to come back.Many customers can be persuaded to fill out a customer response survey if you offer a special perk, such as a discount for repeated service.You're able to promote returning customers and ensure a steady stream of feedback by doing this in this fashion.