Sales Training: 8 Steps to Close Sales Quickly

"Start with the end in mind" as Steven Covey ofwhen alone with her/him. People reveal more
7 Habits of Highly Effective People says. So let'sone-on- one. Remember you have to appeal to
start with booking the order and work towardsthis person to win his/her vote. It's not about the
where the selling process starts.company or the other people. b. If you give the
1. How to Get the Order?presentation before the interview, you lose. They
Get all the powerful people - especially the mostget to know all about you and you learn little.
powerful person to commit to your offering. ThisRescue strategy, when you can't resist the urge
is the person with the ability to say yes and itto present, is to ask each person the magic,
happens. Don't be fooled by those who can sayfeeling question. See 3 above
no. Anyone can get you eliminated.a. If it is a6. Who Are The People To Be Questioning?
business sale, there may be lots of peopleAll the people who touch or who are impacted by
involved. The ultimate decision-maker is usually inyour product, especially those in high places are
the executive suite, and listens to associates andthe people you should interview. Win each of
subordinates. b. If it is a consumer sale (car,these people's vote. Ask to meet their boss so
house, personal item), determine who has theyou can ask questions and win his/her vote. The
power - husband, wife? Children can be significantpowerful will make the final decision. Don't argue.
influencers. Emotional buys happen, but will beIt is what it is. Besides, what would happen if your
returned unless the power and influences arecompetition gets to the bosses.
synchronized.7. When Do You Start Going After All These
2. How To Get Powerful People To Commit?Administrators, Decision People And Senior Execs?
Ask for the commitment. i.e. "Since you're feelingThis is a lot of work.
good about what we've just discussed, can IAfter you qualify that this is a good company and
have your commitment that you will support mea good opportunity for you to pursue. Anything
my company.a. If s/he says "yes", you've won awith life is not good for you. Use history to
vote - not the sale - unless it's the person withdetermine the types of companies/opportunities
the power to say yes and it happens. b. If s/hethat have gone well for you and those that
says "no", ask "How come?" i.e. "Seems like youhaven't. Seek only those that fit this profile. These
have some concerns. Please explain"are the plumbs and should close at a 70% rate if
3. How Do You Know What S/He Is Feeling?you do 1 through 6 above. Leave the rhubarbs
Ask the magic question - "How do you feel aboutfor your competitors. They will die slowly while
what I've just presented?" a. If s/he feels good -you use the time to find more plumbs.
that great - go for commitment. See 2 above. b.8.How Do You Find Enough Prospects To Be
If s/he doesn't feel good or shows signs ofChoosey?
hesitation/objections, ask "What's the issue." SeeHave a systematic prospecting program.
2b above.Fortunately there are many levels and types of
4. How Do You Know What To Present To Makeprospecting. Your easiest prospects are those
Her/Him Feel Good? Ask questions about what swho you currently do business with. Develop high
he wants/expects. "What would the perfectlevel relationships, (How? Read my book - TAKE
solution look like to you?" "What will it take to getME TO YOUR LEADER$), and you will get 100%
your vote?" Stop talking and listen. Then baseof the business from 100% of your clients. Your
your presentation on what s/he has said. a. Betoughest prospects are new account, cold call,
sure the answer comes from this person. Thegreenfield prospects. a. Prospect for those that fit
biggest mistake is to ask others what someoneyour profile. b. The more organized your
else wants/expects. b. If s/he doesn't say theapproach, the better you changes of finding
things you think s/he should be concerned about,quality leads that are interested in doing
expose and entice, i.e. "Are you aware …"something. Then do 7 through 1 above in that
"Others have used … and foundorder only. c. If you don't prospect enough, you
that…" Don't push. Sense if there is anywon't have enough plumbs and you will gravitate
interest only. Otherwise let it go.to the rhubarbs.
5. How Do You Get To Ask Questions?See selling is very systematic and can be easy.
Make it a condition before you do anyPeople make it tough by pushing product, going
presentations. i.e. "I know you're expecting me toafter everything, and trying to beat the
tell you about our stuff, but before I do, can Icompetition. Best case these people close 30%.
ask you a few questions about your wants andDo the above and you'll soon be closing 70% of
expectations so I don't bore you with informationthe opportunities you choose to pursue.
that is of no interest to you."a. Ask questions