The big difference between this in 2012 and today is the level is higher
Don’t sell me……….Help me buy
I’m not about to say “selling is dead” or something silly like that. What I am saying is being a resource beats being a salesperson. Do you know things that can help the person buy today? YOU BETTER. How about so things look better in 6,12, 18 months and beyond? I REALLY HOPE SO. Are you willing to let them go now because your sale today actually doesn’t help the person you are taking money from? YES
Don’t build to a close………build a relationship
I’ve had a few people working with me for a bit now. Over the last few weeks I’ve been warning them that how we do business will have a positive but also some negative impacts in the rest of their lives. What does that mean? Essentially that they know how we like to to treat people. When you recognize this in others you get excited. But, most of the times you’ll recognize their sales flow and that you are just another sale. I’m used to it but it doesn’t mean I like it. Every interaction is a chance to make a new acquaintance who can become a friend and beyond. Making a sale is nice, almost easy. Making a sale and a friend at the same time is much nicer and just as easy.
Don’t “Ben Franklin” close me?………help me by showing the why
Most sales techniques and tactics are rooted in some very basic human psychology. It is what it is. Two or more humans are engaging and our DNA is wired a certain way. Consider just having a conversation. We prefer to act like the licensed professionals we are, not “producers.” A problem is presented and we fix the known and the unknown. Sure, you can list them out but, at least in insurance, this time and effort is better spent elsewhere.
No fear of loss…….stick to why you are a good person to buy from
This can be a tricky one. It is a conversation I have with one of our team once a week. We have a perpetual machine that steadily drips more people to work with. We also have tools and ways to continually find more people to work with. Knowing you have this, takes a lot of the “pressure” off selling everyone you are talking to. But, some of the philosophy and lines that go with this are in conflict; ” We don’t need you….” “Sure, we’d be happy to work with you….” But you know you have a backlog of people that may be easier to work with Knowing that there is no person/business/account that can make your business but some can really hinder things. It’s more of a “If you want to work with us, great. If not, no big deal. Keep in touch…..”
Don’t close me………..make me open to a new relationship
ALWAYS. Sure, technically getting the yes and taking a payment can and is “a close” but if that is all you are after, that is all you’ll get. That is not a good use of my time and I do not view it as a good use of my team’s time either. On the other hand, helping someone buy insurance, helping them feel good about the transaction, giving them reasons to want to share me/us with others, etc. That is a much better use of time