Study after study has told us that only about 20% of all sales people
are top performers, meaning they regularly close at least half of
their qualified prospects. Similarly, about 20% of the sales force
are either underperformers, brand new or on their way out. This means
that the considerable majority of sales people – roughly 60% – can
be classified as simply average. If you find yourself falling into
that category, here are three quick fixes that can help you move up
into the top 20%, and help turn your career from average to outstanding.
Quick Fix #1: Attitude
95% of all the top performers I interview tell me that the number
one contributor to their success is Attitude.
I know you’ve heard that before. But take a moment and actually think
about it. Are you so certain of your ability to hide a sour mood or
personal annoyance, that you’re willing to risk losing a sale if you’re
wrong?
The fact of the matter is, unless your last name is Streep, Brando
or De Niro, your thoughts will affect your behavior. In other words,
we always move toward our most dominant thought. So make sure you
play that positive tape in your mind, and don’t let yourself get caught
up in any negativity around you.
If you do find yourself slipping into a negative frame of mind, try
some of these tried-and-true ideas to help you snap out of it, and
put your best foot forward:
- Listen to music (though your favourite Death Metal CD may not
be appropriate at this time). - Exercise.
- Have a quick meeting or phone call with a positive person (moods
are contagious). - Read something inspiring, like Earl Nightingale’s The Strangest
Secret, or even Scott Adam’s Dilbert cartoons to give yourself a
good laugh. - Eat (my husband can tell you how quickly my mood can turn negative
when I skip lunch!). - Call your favorite customer.
- Sit quietly on your own, close your eyes and visualize yourself
doing something successfully. Then repeat the "movie"
over and over again in your mind.
In short, show your customer how you feel by being at the top of
your mental game. Close business by projecting a sincerely happy persona,
not hiding a negative attitude behind a facade. And above all else,
either love what you do, or get out!
Quick Fix #2: Hidden Clues
According to a recent study from the October 2003 issue of Sales
and Marketing Magazine, an average of 45% of sales people have faced
discrimination from clients based on their non-verbal communication,
including the way they dress, their mannerisms, their posture and
even their gender.
Obviously, there are some things you simply can’t – or wouldn’t –
change. But what about some of those things that are under your control,
and which could have a serious effect on your success?
For example, did you spill mustard on your shirt or blouse, and forget
to clean it off? Do you often go to bed too late and have to drag
yourself into your first call, or tend to eat a huge three-course
lunch and then spend your 2pm meeting yawning at your customer?
Sales is about trust. Trust is built on rapport. And rapport is a
direct function of your customer’s perception of you, and how they
feel about you. No, it’s not fair. But it is a reality. So pay attention
to your business style, manner and projection.
Remember, in sales, the customer’s perception is always the reality
in which we work. Our job is simply to align our behaviors, style
and intentions with our customer’s perceptions. Substance is what
will convince them your product or service is the right solution for
their needs. But style is what will get your foot in the door.
Quick Fix #3: The Right Opener
The wrong opening statement can actively repel even the most open
and agreeable of customers. So if you ever find yourself starting
a conversation with "how are you today?" – stop it!
Why? Because it reminds your customers of all those annoying dinnertime
interruptions they’ve gotten over the years from telemarketers looking
to sell them something they don’t want or need. Are you a telemarketer?
I didn’t think so. And even if you are, stop sounding like one!
Try opening with this rapport-winning phrase instead: "Did I
catch you at a bad time?" This has worked exceptionally well
for me, because it points out the obvious, and that makes the customer
laugh. Of course it’s a bad time! Any non-scheduled call is an interruption.
But by admitting that fact, you can begin to build rapport, and start
your conversation off on a high note.
Script your "Opener" right now. If you’re stuck for ideas,
re-read our article on 5
Steps to Cold Calling that Won’t Leave You Out in the Cold.
The bottom line: Treat all your customers the same, and the best
will go away
Finally, since we’re talking about sales mistakes in prospecting,
we can’t forget our real customers – the people who are paying us
now. What are you committed to doing this year to make sure your best
clients stick around?
Here are a few great ideas gathered during a recent sales goal planning
session I did with some clients:
- Build genuine relationships, go beyond asking common questions,
and dig for real emotional issues. - Take the time to schedule "in person" meetings as often
as possible. The telephone and email are productive tools, but nothing
builds rapport as well as a handshake and eye contact. - Be willing to offer your Gold customer something unique and of
added value – a better service, a guarantee, faster turnaround time
or a volume discount. - Get in touch with your customers every 6 weeks, and always call
or send them something of value first – don’t call just to see whether
they’re ready to order more product. - Send a note or other recognition on the anniversary of the date
they started doing business with you, or even better, on their company’s
anniversary. - Send your best customers referrals to potential clients and partners.
- Stay tuned for Quick Fixes #4-6 in the April issue of our Newsletter!