24 Sales tips for 2024

1.????? Sales is the process of relationship building.??Be personable and respectful to all clients.

2.????? Never judge a potential customer.??All too often have I heard “they’re time wasters” but with the right sales person the deal has been closed.?

3.????? Always be closing. A sale isn’t complete until the deal is closed, the paperwork signed and the deposit taken.?

4.????? Remember to keep your sales funnel or customer pipeline full.??Continuous prospecting is vital to long term sales success.

5.????? Following on from point 4, when I was running sales teams I would urge them to speak to ten customers with the expectation of closing two. Whilst this would result in a low conversion of only 20%; their actual conversion was closer to 40%, this method ensured their customer base was continually growing.?

6.????? Keep to your promises. If you say you will call at 4pm be ready by the phone at 3.55pm. Trust is crucial in a sales relationship, so keep to your word on the smallest of agreements.?

7.????? Keep a diary and write your daily actions in it as they’re agreed.??Digital CRM tools are great but you can’t beat a paper desk diary which visually shows you your daily tasks.???Tick off each task, call back or meeting as they’re completed to give you a sense of achievement.

8.????? Some will, some won’t, next.??Not every client will buy every time but don’t be discouraged.??Give a great service and be remembered for being a good person.???These qualities will always put you in good stead for future business opportunities or referrals from the client.?

9.????? On the same theme, always ask a client; actual or potential, for someone in their network who may be interested in your product or service.??At least, they will say no. At most, you will gain a warm lead to prospect to.?

10. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.??We are human and can’t always remember everything or get everything right.??Should this happen, immediately own up and take responsibility for what has happened.??However big or small the issue, this will go a long way to making amends and future proofing the relationship.

11. Always agree.??This does not mean to change your opinion but to agree and recognise that people can and do have different opinions.??For example, your client may think your price is too high.??Agree with their thoughts and acknowledge their point of view but then explain your reasons; calmly and respectfully, why you think differently.??See the world through your clients’ eyes and let them tell you why through listening.

12. Be willing to provide service without an immediate sale.???It takes time to build long lasting relationships and you will go far by providing information or help without a return reward.

13. Be prepared when starting a new role that it takes time to build a database of clients.???Don’t be discouraged if the first few weeks or months are spent speaking to multiple prospects without a sale.???All of this hard work will pay off; be consistent and consistency will follow.?

14. You’re not selling a product you’re selling what the product can do. People always think that their lives can be more. That’s what you have to give to them.

15. There will always be competitors for your product or service with varying prices. You have to learn to fill the gaps between you and them. Do this with service and this will become your unique selling point.

16. Focus on the things you can do not the things you can’t.

17. Learn to like the word no.??People are nervous and it’s more than likely you will face a number of rejections. Get comfortable with this situation so you know how to turn that rejection into a yes over time.

18. Listen. Listen. Listen. Speak.??People want to be heard and will gladly talk about themselves.??If you’re looking for people’s buying signals, listen long enough and they will tell you themselves.?

19. It’s not what you say but how you make people feel.??Make them feel valued and important, pay attention to their needs and you will have a customer for life.?

20. Learn to take breaks and days off.??Creating a structured work/life balance is vital to the longevity of your career.??There are no prizes for working weeks at a time without rest.??Being well rested will make you more productive in the long term.

21. Become your product. Be known as the go to person for your product or service by developing a reputation built on trust.? ?

22. Build an online presence synonymous with your business/product.??Be easily contactable but ensure you keep on top of the various methods to ensure your reliability.?

23. Be passionate about what you do. Without passion you won’t persevere.???The problem is, when passion doesn’t pay people give up.??Look to the points above to help build your success but remember….

24. Success follows hard work, consistency and determination. Yes, overnight success stories can happen but in the main, work, effort and consistency is what produces results.?