Things I Learned Over the Past Decade

Don’t close a sale, Open a relationship

Try building a relationship with your customers always. Relationship-based sales are rooted in one thing, Trust. Since 90% of probable clients these days does all their research before even talking, trust based selling matters more than ever now. Have always tried my best to Talk, Listen and respond quickly and ask feedback very often.This does help in many ways, not only to get valuable insights but also to let them know your appreciation for their feedback

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'

This quote by Martin Luther King Jr has inspired me the most.Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. The work you are doing today is in turn laying foundation for your tomorrow. So always give it your best.

One of my favourite quotes by Mahatma Gandhi, talks about actions becoming habits and habits becoming values and destiny.Here it is:

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,Your thoughts become your words,Your words become your actions,Your actions become your habits,Your habits become your values,Your values become your destiny.”

Therefore, Keep all your actions positive.

Everybody hates being sold to, but everybody loves a Story

Storytelling almost magically builds trust, which is the foundation of good relationships.Storytelling speaks to the part of the brain where decisions are actually made.Stories make it easier for the buyer to remember you, your ideas, and your product.

Be convenient , Be Patient and Be Yourself

Nothing happens overnight, you need to give it time as with all relationships. Being someone who cares and is willing to listen to their needs and answer a question is all a customer would ask for. 

Be a Subject Matter Expert

Every customer would wish to encounter with an expert whose knowledge they could tap into and never with a person whose goal is only to sell them something. Always ensure that you stay upto date about whats happening in the industry.

Communicate succinctly

Concise presentation is need of the hour. Ensure that you don't bring in more than four points in an important conversation. Keep it short and sweet. George Bernard Shaw famously said ‘Brevity is the soul of wit’.

And Yes, what matters the most :

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs