Closing more sales is always at the top of the minds of business owners, entrepreneurs, and salespeople. But most are asking themselves, “Great…how do I do that?” Here is a quick hit list of the top 6 things that can get you to closing more sales, faster:
- Set a good agenda
- Ask Deep Questions
- Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Commitment
- It’s OK to talk about Money
- Get to the Decision Makers
- Present ONLY to what they care about
Set a good agenda
One of the most important things you can do when you’re trying to be productive is to set a good agenda. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many people try to go through a meeting without any sort of plan. A good agenda will give you even footing with your prospect and let them know where the conversation will go.
- Permission – ask if it’s ok to set that agenda
- Time – confirm the time frame is still good for both parties
- Purpose – state the understood purpose of the meeting
- My expectations – what do you want to get and is it ok for you to ask tough questions about money or other things?
- Their expectations – let them tell you what they need
- Outcome – There can be only two outcomes for a meeting – yes or no. To accept anything less will give you a pipeline of ‘hope’ and that doesn’t do anyone any good. Here’s how the outcome statement could sound ‘I see
Ask Deep Questions
In a world that is increasingly driven by superficiality and shallow interactions, it can be refreshing to ask deep questions. If you’re not sure what I mean by “deep questions,” they are basically questions that go beyond the surface level of conversation. They are personal and emotional, and they can often lead to compelling reasons for why someone believes or feels the way they do. Asking deep questions can help to create a more meaningful connection with someone, and it can also help you to better understand their worldview. So next time you’re feeling stuck in small talk, try asking a deep question instead. You might be surprised at how much you learn about the other person – and about yourself.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Commitment
Sure, commitment can be scary. It’s a big decision! But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for it. In fact, sometimes the best way to get what you want is to just ask for it. After all, what is the worst that could happen? They could say no. And then you would be in the same position you are now, but with slightly more information. So go ahead and ask. It might just be the best thing you do all day.
It’s OK to talk about Money
Money is often seen as a taboo topic, something that we shouldn’t talk about in polite company. But why is that? Money is a huge part of our lives, and it affects everything from our daily budget to our long-term access to financial opportunities. If we can’t talk about money, we can’t learn how to budget, save, invest, or even just have a healthy relationship with money. So let’s break the silence and start talking about money. It’s OK to talk about money. In fact, it’s essential.
Get to the Decision Makers
When it comes to getting your point across, it’s important to remember that not all decision-makers are created equal. In a large company, there may be dozens of people who have a say in the final decision, and each one of them is going to have their own opinion on what the best course of action is. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your presentation is tailored to address the needs of each individual decision-maker. By taking the time to understand the concerns of each decision-maker, you’ll be in a much better position to get your point across and make the sale.
Present ONLY to what they care about
The next time you’re preparing a presentation, think carefully about your audience and what they care about. You may be tempted to include everything that you know on the topic, but resist the urge! The key is to focus on the information that is most relevant to your audience’s needs and interests. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing their attention. After all, there’s nothing worse than delivering a presentation that feels like a waste of time. So take the time to tailor your presentation to your audience, and you’ll be sure to engage them from start to finish.
If you are looking to increase your sales closings without (yuck) becoming a ‘salesy-person’ check out @revenue’s Pay What You Can Sales Coaching Program! It’s live coaching, with a guaranteed result – and it’s time that you start to WIN! Click here to learn more…don’t click if you already have too many sales. In the meantime, here’s a quick recap of the main points:
1. Set a good agenda
2. Ask Deep Questions
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for a commitment
4. It’s ok to talk about money
5. Get to the decision-makers
6. Present ONLY to what they care about
We hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll put these tips into practice the next time you’re closing a deal. Good luck!