Have you ever watched a cat venture into an unfamiliar space? They proceed slowly and cautiously, one watchful step forward, and then a pause, alert to potential danger.
Many prospects will take the same pussy-footed approach in the second half of the year. Expect nervousness, trepidation, and slower-than-normal sales cycles. One way for sales pros to overcome hesitancy is by becoming an Ambassador of the Possible.
The foundation of sales success comes from your ability to convince prospects to change from their current solution and form an alliance with you. Sales ambassadors know change starts by helping prospects picture a better future.
Imagine This
Imagine is one of the most powerful words you can use in a sales call. By invoking the buyer’s imagination, you open a gateway to a world where they can explore beneficial ideas, concepts, products, and services that lie outside their current reality.
When Ambassadors of the Possible help prospects envision how a purchase leads to a better situation, they set the stage for additional discovery. A simple way to start the process is by using this easy-to-apply, conversational framework.
Engaging the prospect’s imagination at the beginning of a conversation shows them what is possible. And, the reaction to “Imagine this,” helps you determine if the buyer is intrigued by the possibility of a better option, or if the status quo is good enough.
Even after the majority of businesses reopen, skittish prospects who are reluctant to change will be the norm. Friendly patience and intelligent persistence overcome hesitancy. Friendly patience lets prospects know you care about the relationship. Intelligent persistence ensures you stay engaged with buyers who aren’t ready to act now, but who will purchase in the future.
Are you ready to serve as an emissary for purchase opportunities? Take on the role of Ambassador of the Possible, and help clients envision why an alliance with you is the right decision for them.
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- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Linda Bishop is the president of Thought Transformation (thoughttransformation.com), a national sales and marketing consulting company. By combining tools, training, and tactics, she helps clients grow revenues. Linda’s latest book, Selling Strategies for Perpetual Winners: How to Get Through the Economic Crisis and Come Out Ahead, shares practical advice on selling in a world turned upside down by the Coronavirus, and is available at Amazon.