Eeeewwww! There is such a negative stigma about “salespeople.” Why? Because they are often seen as gushing, insincere, and shallow. They care about you until you turn down their deal and walk out the door. Then, they are gushing, insincere and shallow to the next person who walks in. They don’t care about the customer; they just care about the sale. It pays to know how NOT to be a sleazy salesperson.
It’s no wonder customers tend to avoid salespeople. And employees don’t like jobs that require selling because they don’t want to be seen as pushy. Even many of the entrepreneurs I know tell me that they hate selling. But guess what is the most important leadership skill?
You just have to know how not to be a sleazy salesperson.
Obviously, we need to sell our goods and services. We need to find out what our customer wants. You already have good people. Do they have good selling skills? Are they comfortable and flexible with those skills? Can they adapt their sales and service style to the personality of each customer?
They need to know how not to be a sleazy salesperson. Look at selling from another perspective. Instead of approaching it as a sale, think of using your expertise to help solve a customer’s problem, meet their need, or exceed their expectation. Here’s how:
- Know your industry and the available products and services in it.
- Become an expert in your own product or service.
- Like a doctor, diagnose what brings the customer in.
- Like a detective, uncover their underlying needs and desires.
- Befriend your customers and approach their needs as unique.
- Explain a few alternatives available to them.
- Make a recommendation and tell them why you recommend it.
Your customers expect this from a good resource or a friend. Know how not to be a sleazy salesperson! Give your customers or clients professionalism, knowledge, and a sincere desire to help. You haven’t peaked yet!