Transitioning from Operations into Sales

There are many who have made the transition from operations into sales. For those who have, you've all been engrained with process, execution and performance of getting things done. While the carrot on the end of a stick is a bit different as you get paid based on closing the deal, you need to remember that you're still servicing the clients' needs just like you did while in your operational role.

Most encounters you have in your sales roles are with folks just like us who are way too busy, bombarded with thousands of emails, meetings and barely have enough time to actually execute on their day to day responsibilities.

What you need to consider as sales people is putting yourself in the shoes you once had and think about how your engaging who you're selling to and how you're selling to them. I'd like to start with 2 things -- storytelling and brevity.

To sell with brevity and tell stories, you should focus on the key points that will be most impactful to your audience, and present them in a clear and concise manner. Here are some tips:

Know your audience

To tell a compelling story, you need to understand who you are speaking to and what their needs are. Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what would be most important to them.

Start with something compelling

Grab your audience's attention with a short, engaging story or anecdote that relates to your product or service.

Simplicity is key

Use simple, everyday language to explain your product or service, and avoid technical jargon or industry-specific terminology that your audience might not understand.

Its okay to use visuals (make it fun or interesting)

Pictures, charts, and graphs can help to illustrate your point and make your presentation more engaging.

What's in it for them

Focus on the benefits of your product or service, rather than its features. Explain how it will solve a problem or meet a need that your audience has.

Keep it succinct and short

As ops people, we have a wealth of knowledge but we don't need to vomit that knowledge into the open air. People have short attention spans, so try to keep your story and presentation as brief as possible while still conveying your message effectively. This doesn't mean talking fast or trying to slam a bunch of info in a short time period.

End with a call to action - make it known you're here to earn their partnership

Encourage your audience to take action, such as signing up for your product or service, by providing a clear and compelling call to action at the end of your presentation. I remember a lot of operations was centered around good business lingo and a bunch of fluff but you're hear for a reason. If you're not being honest with them, you're not being honest with yourself. You mean business!

Remember, storytelling is about making an emotional connection with your audience, so don't be afraid of humor or showcasing your personality into your presentation. By focusing on the key points and presenting them in an engaging and memorable way, you can sell your product or service with brevity and tell a story that will stick with your audience. Remember this....it's not what you say or how you say it but how you make them feel. People buy from people.