Phone Sales Tips – With all the distractions for sales people, prospects are receiving far fewer phone calls than ever before. This is really a huge opportunity for you.
While it’s tough to actually get people on the phone, I fully acknowledge that these days it is tougher, it is by far the most effective way to get their attention.
In this video, I’m going to share with you three super easy phone sales tips. Check it out:
Summary:
Phone Sales Tips #1: Be the opposite of what’s expected.
With the increasing reliance on email and social media to sell, good prospects are getting fewer sales calls than ever before. But they’re still getting calls all the time—and they’re getting them every single day. One of the best phone sales tips out there is to set yourself apart from the crowd of other salespeople calling on your prospects. The second that you’re perceived to be like every other salesperson to call on a prospect, you’re dead on arrival. Just think about it: If you’re at home or you’re at the office and you get a call from someone who sounds like every other overly enthusiastic, salesy salesperson you’ve ever heard, how are you going to react? Your walls will go right up. The same is true for your prospects.
It’s time to lower that enthusiasm and be more distinct in your approach. Use a gentler, calmer tone so you can slip under the radar and leave the prospect thinking, “I’m not entirely sure upfront if this is even a salesperson.”
Phone Sales Tips #2: Be provocative.
Another one of the top phone sales tips out there is to be provocative. Most salespeople have been taught that they should always make prospects feel good, comfortable, or excited. But actually, nowadays, being provocative is more likely to get their attention. So, try telling them about an issue that they may be facing. Or tell them about some of the challenges that you’re seeing amongst their competitors and find out if they’re dealing with any of those challenges. Finally, be willing to challenge them on the phone if they’re pushing back. You don’t have to be a softie. You don’t have to be a pushover. You can be tough and provocative and that’s what’s going to set you apart from your competitors.
Phone Sales Tips #3: Have contingencies.
Most prospects are not going to want to stay on the phone with you right away. That’s why, when it comes to phone sales tips these days, having contingencies is one of the most powerful strategies around. A difficult prospect is going to scare off most salespeople. But if you’re willing to hang in there and you’re prepared to push back, it’s actually one of the best ways to get to a really high-level prospect. So, be ready to respond to someone who’s trying to get you off the phone with a fallback.
For example, if they tell you that they can’t talk right now, say, “All right. That sounds fair enough. But can I ask one last question before I hang up?” And what you’re going to find is that’s an immediate pattern interrupt, you’re going to break that person’s train of thought, and they’re going to say, “Sure.” The question that you come in with should be something powerful and provocative.
So there are three super easy phone sales tips. Which of those tips did you find most useful? I want to hear from you. Be sure to share below in the comments section. I’ll respond to every single comment that I can get to. I love seeing what you have to say.
I would offer a Fourth tip, which I have been advocating for years. When you get that prospect on the phone ask them in these EXACT words: “Did I catch you at a bad time?” The guard goes down and the conversation is enhanced, as you are showing respect and indirectly asking for permission to converse. It allows them to say “no,” which most people do not say. I use this when I call on CEOs, so I know it works. It is very NON-salesy.
Nice Don! I teach that exact approach. Great idea!
So the old theory is that you give the prospect control. Everyone likes control, correct? If thy say YES, you’re done! How about saying, “How’ve you been”? Today’s data shows that is the highest success rate for a conversation continuing… then you lead into, “the reason for the call is…”