Comments on: How to sell anything to anyone

By: Steve Vise

Steve Vise — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:54:16 +0000

"like walking up to a stranger in a bar and asking for sex."

That's actually a poor analogy. When I was in college, a friend of mine did a little after-hours research. He would go up to a girl in a bar and say, "Hey, you wanna go f***?"

Sometimes the girl would get mad and tell him to get lost, sometimes they would try to slap him. Interestingly, however, 1 out of 4 said YES!

I am sure he is a great salesman today.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:54:37 +0000

Most certainly all paths lead to making money or saving money. In the case of non-profits – many help families learn save money or learn to make money in some sense (ie job training, personal evaluations etc). Even off track things like fine-art, writers and surfing are about saving money or making money (ie self-induced and made recreation is cheaper than purchased etc)

My two cents -

By: 3 Things You Can Learn From Salespeople | Jason Unger

3 Things You Can Learn From Salespeople | Jason Unger — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:14:03 +0000

[...] easiest way to get someone to buy something from you is to be social with them. When was the last time you opened up your wallet for a [...]

By: Scott Whitney

Scott Whitney — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:30:46 +0000

Asking "What are the challenges you are facing?" is not going to be productive, if asked in the beginning of the sales conversation. Why? Because you haven't earned the right to ask that question. While most people agree the key to sales is relationships, the real question is, "what is the key to relationships?" And the answer is credibility. If you've haven't taken steps to establish your credibility, that kind of open-ended question will simply kill your credibility and slow the sales process.

By: max

max — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:20:05 +0000

The open ended questions are very true. I am in direct sales, and if you leave yourself open for a "no" you'll get it every time. Questions that assume the buy, but are low pressure and inquisitive work the best. Are you going to buy? vs. if you were going to buy, would you feel more comfortable paying all at once or being on a payment plan?

Good stuff.

By: Jill

Jill — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:18:48 +0000

If you are curious what any California State employees are paid, this database can be helpful.

http://www.sacbee.com/1098/story/738462.html

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:11:55 +0000

Good advice. I'd add to point #1 not just to ask a good question, but to listen to the answer. Sounds obvious, but I can't count the number of times I've answered a question and didn't feel the sales person heard a word I said. Listening leads to more good open-ended questions, an accurate understanding of the problem, and better solutions. It's also great for building ongoing relationships (return customers and referrals).

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:22:55 +0000

great post…I have 50 sales people who indirectly report to me that don't seem to get these simple ideas. I'm going to pass this on to them, maybe some of it will stick!

By: Dale

Dale — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:50:48 +0000

One important addition, get and hold the prospect's attention! If you do not get the attention of a prospect, and stimulate interest in you and/or your wares, you never get to first base… the open ended question. They just shut you out cognitively or otherwise.

By: Financial Planner

Financial Planner — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:31:17 +0000

The open ended question is by far the best method. It's can create a conversation which will allow someone to trust you.