5. Explain why written proposals are becoming a necessity for today’s salesperson?
6. Why is the sales presentation checklist an important tool for today’s salesperson?
7. How does the sales mix model help prepare the salesperson for an effective presentation?
8. Why is it important for a salesperson to establish objectives for each sales call?
9. Why is it important for a salesperson to have a number of different approach techniques at his or her disposal?
10. Why is the introductory approach by itself a weak opening technique?
BUILDING PROFESSIONAL SELLING SKILLS
1. The salesperson’s appearance and manner must convey a favorable impression. Within the first few minutes that the prospect and the salesperson are together, the prospect makes judgments that will have a direct effect on t interaction to follow. The first few words the salesperson says set the tone of the entire presentation. There are several approaches that can be used to gain the prospect’s interest and attention.
a) Introduction – The sales rep states his or her name and the name of the company.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?
b) Referral – Start out by mentioning that so-and-so suggested the prospect would be interested in your product.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?
c) Question – Asking a meaningful question gets the prospect’s attention, encourages a response, and initiates two-way communication.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?
d) Benefit – Focus the prospect’s attention on a product benefit.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?
e) Compliment – Offer a sincere and specific compliment.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?
f) Develop an approach that uses a combination of the preceding methods.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening?