As a coach and speaker, there is one question that I hear all the time – “how do YOU close the sale?” There appears to be some mystery around the actual sales language that ‘brings it all to a close’.
For those of you who know me and my style, you know I like to keep things simple.
In this article, I will address my 2 secret strategies for closing the sale.
1. L.I.S.T.E.N. Yes – it’s that simple. Most of us are so keen on telling the prospect everything about US, and about everything that WE do and have to offer – that we do not stop and listen to the pain that the prospect is sharing. They’re bleeding all over us and we aren’t hearing a word of it. NEWS FLASH, people – it’s not about YOU!
Yes, you do need to share the essence of who you are and what you have to offer, but not until you have heard the pain or the challenge that the prospect is experiencing. So, that’s my secret formula #1 – LISTEN!
2. ASK FOR THE SALE. Sounds simple, I know. It is simple. When I hear my clients say they need to ‘get psyched up’ to make a sales call, that raises a huge red flag for me. Psyched up to share your talent – to provide a solution – to throw someone a life jacket – really? What’s that all about?
This would be the time when you really need to self-examine to understand what’s going on here. Why in the world would you need to get psyched up? The world needs you. We are all unique – we have a purpose – you have a passion for what you’re doing – you have a solution. Psyched up to do what, exactly? Help people out!
Now, I know I am simplifying this – one way that I was able to improve, and master, this skill is in working with my coach – she asked me to record some of the sales calls I was making and then send her the link to the recording. She then provided feedback on specific comments/timing that I was making during the call – and then had me go do another one. It was an ideal way to fine-tune and recognize where I WAS getting in MY own way – rather than focusing on the needs of the prospect.
Once I had those insights, and continued to make more and more calls (it is a numbers game, ladies!) – I am able to facilitate a positive end result for both the prospect and me within a half hour time frame.
Does this sound simple? Well, it really is simple. When you focus on your passion and purpose and get over yourself, you will realize that S.A.L.E.S. is not a four-letter word. But rather, consider it a life-jacket – consider it being of service – consider it your life mission.
All entrepreneurs want to attract new clients and make money. That is the truth. Put the focus on being of service rather than psyching yourself up to make a sales call. Reframe your thinking.
Pat Mussieux is fast becoming regarded as one of the voices for women's entrepreneurial success. After leaving her 22-year marriage with virtually nothing, and moving across the country at age 55 to start a new life, she re-launched her coaching and speaking business - taking it from zero and growing it into a multiple 6-figure home-based business. Much of her success can be attributed to her expertise when it comes to marketing, mindset and money!
Pat has been featured as an expert in both print media and on TV. She was nominated as one of the 2010 and 2011 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs of the Year; as well, Pat has been nominated for the Chatelaine magazine “Woman of the Year for 2011”. Pat is Founder of Wealthy Women Leaders, and provides business and success advice and resources to clients around the world.
Pat is the author of "The 7-Step Guide To Growing Your Business by Getting Out of Your Own Way ", teaching women entrepreneurs how to get their message out, close the sale, enjoy massive results, and create some simple systems and processes for success!
Through her coaching programs and products, Pat teaches her clients how to experience freedom inside and out and create the life they truly want to live, now! It's a 'no-excuses' approach! You can reach her at http://www.wealthywomenleaders.com