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How to avoid the #1 Sales Mistake

By
Home Stager with Willoughbys

The biggest mistake beginning sales people (and most veterans) make is that they get in the door and are dying to tell their prospect about their product. They have so much product knowledge and are so eager to share it, that they forget to find out what is relevant to the prospect.

This is a mistake because you can’t sell unless you understand your prospect’s needs. You discover their needs by listening, not talking.

For example, you could visit four prospects who all need computers and each one will have different perceived needs for that computer. One brand of computer could, in fact, satisfy the needs of four different customers, but one pat sales pitch will not excite all of them. It definitely won’t sell all of them. Your job on a sales call is to find out what each prospect is looking for.

Have Fun,

Alan

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Naoma Doriguzzi - Virginia Beach, VA
great tips!  All mortgages are not the same and what might be good for one might not be good for all.
Apr 08, 2008 06:45 AM
Alan Taylor
Willoughbys - Kitchener, ON
CRSS - Willoughbys

In my business I'm always amazed at how many of my competitors give a proposal to the client based on "Their" perception of what the client needs. I have heard time and time again after we have completed our "Questioning" session that "Nobody else asked us these questions". We invariably come up with a solution for the clients true needs and win the business.

have Fun,

Alan 

Apr 08, 2008 02:12 PM
Jennifer Esposito
JenRan Realty, LLC - Woodstock, CT
I agree.  Usually I ask a few key questions and let the prospect do most of the talking.  Once my company seems like a good fit for them I explain our services in detail.
Apr 09, 2008 07:49 AM
Alan Taylor
Willoughbys - Kitchener, ON
CRSS - Willoughbys

Jennifer.... I agree with you. How on earth could you sell your client services.... that they really need.... without first finding out what their needs are.

You also said "Once my company seems like a good fit for them I explain our services in detail"..... do you ever determine that there is not a fit, and then go on to the next opportunity??????

Alan 

Apr 18, 2008 04:13 PM
Scott Hoen
Carson City, NV
Carson City Clerk Recorder / Public Administrator

right on -- listen first and then discuss benefits to the consumer rather than your great features.

Sep 22, 2008 04:43 PM
Norma J. Elkins
Elite Realty Group - Morristown, TN
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team

Listening skills are great - I have heard we need to listen twice as much as we talk - that is why we have 2 ears and 1 mouth.

Sep 23, 2008 01:09 AM
Sylvie Conde
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Great reminder, Alan, and Norma, you made me laugh out loud.
Yes, we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, but most agents I know (me included sometimes), seem to have it the other way around.  Some people just love the sound of their own voice.

Sep 25, 2008 03:18 PM