While it's no secret that going into business for yourself can be a challenge ( heck, it can be downright scary), but the number one speed bump on the road to success is one itty bitty word…sales.
For some folks, just the thought of having to sell something to someone makes them break out in a cold sweat like they have the latest strain of the flu.
Why is this? As someone who made the bulk of her living as a Real Estate Agent for 20 years, and making commission-only at that, the idea of helping a customer solve a problem with a product I represent makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Selling them what they need is actually serving them.
To withhold what I know will help them solve a pressing problem or make them feel better actually feels selfish…now.
There was a time however when I could completely relate to how my sales team and coaching clients feel.
Sales was scary. There were sales trainers teaching techniques that were in a word…manipulative. It felt unnatural to memorize 20 different closes (remember the Ben Franklin close?).
Today, sales is all about building relationships and to that I say, "Yipee!!"
For entrepreneurs that should be a breath of fresh air.
Most entrepreneurs are "people people" and creating and nurturing relationships is what we do best. Things change though when that "sales" words gets tacked to it.
It's time to stop all the weirdness and get comfortable with the idea of serving your customers by getting them involved with your product or service.
Want to feel comfortable with the sales process and smooth out the speedbump? Put the focus on serving your customer with what you have to offer and take the focus off feeling like you're doing something "to them". You'll succeed when it becomes about them and what they want. The result will show themselves in happy, repeat customers; a sense of pride and satifaction is your business and oh, a healthy bank account.
How do you feel about the selling process in your business? Are you satisfied with it or are there things you want to change? Leave a comment below and let's talk. Until then…Make it wondermous day 🙂
To your Sales Success,
Sonrisas(smiles),
Beth
Thanks for the reminder Beth. It truly is all about serving. Once we develop that relationship with our "followers" everything else will fall into place. Thanks for posting! Have a wonderful day!
I find creating an online business to be confusing at times which is why I love and appreciate your articles…they bring common sense to the table! Thank you so much!
Thanks Beth for reminding us once more that we are in the people business. First people and then things.
Beth, brilliant post! I totally agree with you – "You'll succeed when it becomes about your clients and what they want." It is very important to listen to your clients… Thanks for sharing.
My selling process is BRAND NEW (today, actually!) so I don't know how I feel about it, but I can't wait to see how the next several weeks go. This article helps a lot though. I can't wait to tweak and refine… one of the things I strive to do is create relationships and not just sell.
Hi Beth, love your advice ~ thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks Jen, it is all about serving our customers and doing what’s best for them. Do that and our financial rewards will take care of themselves. 🙂
It can be confusing, and overwhelming at times, too. Thanks so much for saying that Denny. It’s always my goal to share things that are easy to do and make sense. I really appreciate you!!
Thank you, Olga. People are the most important…everything falls into place after that 🙂
Thank you Anastasiya!! I see you have the same philosophy when you work with your clients, too. Listening and service make all the difference in a successful business 🙂
You’re doing some amazing things right now in your business, McKenna. Your sales process is exactly on target as you focus on your customers. Your Black Friday is gonna ROCK!! Keep up the great work!
You’re welcome Solvita and thank you to you!! I’m so happy to be able to help. Have a fan-tastic day 🙂
Hi Beth,
Thanks for this great article on service. Yes, sales is all about service. Helping others solve a problem is what it is all about. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Pat,
Thanks bunches!! If there’s one thing I’ve found in all my years in sales, it’s that the folks who are the biggest “servers” are the ones who are the happiest AND have the most healthy bank accounts to boot!! Funny how that happens 🙂
Thank you Beth…great article! Yes, the selling process is so simple when we recognize we are helping people, using our two ears to listen, meeting needs as expressed and building long-term relationships…Thanks, Hughie
Thanks, Hughie! Selling really is simple when we realize that all we’re really doing is helping people solve their problems. I’ve always loved a good puzzle…finding the missing piece, you know. Guess that’s why I love sales so much 🙂
Very nice Beth!
-AJ
Thank you Beth. You are so right about selling. It would be selfish of you to not sell to someone if you knew what you have could help them and make their life better.
Beth, Totally about people. Thinking of an online appointment service for hubby's seasonal business but wondering how to make it more people friendly. When customers call it is like a "reunion" and catch up on the family, kids, etc. It goes beyond setting the appointment. I get to know all the customers. It's about the people totally. Thank you Beth.
Thanks AJ, Very much appreciated 🙂
I agree Michele and thanks. Keeping something away from someone just because we receive money for doing it is only keeping the other person from reaping the benefits of what we offer. Kinda silly in my opinion. 🙂
Thanks Carol…building a strong business is all about building strong relationships. It’s a total win for everyone!