2.
The ability to control a call and guide it in a
positive direction is a key skill for a sales
professional.
Clear and effective communication is
essential to ensure that opportunities are not
lost.
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3.
Have a plan for the call.
◦ Have the right attitude. Having a positive attitude
makes a difference, and your prospect can hear it.
Have an introduction.
◦ Introduce yourself, the company and why you are
calling.
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4.
Get their attention.
◦ Try to create excitement in 15 seconds or less, in
one breath, without a pause.
◦ Add energy to your call by standing up and make
sure you have a smile in your voice.
◦ Create a pressure-free, open atmosphere.
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5.
Build Rapport
◦ People are most comfortable dealing with (and
buying from) other people who are like them.
◦ Be likeable and mirror the prospect.
Match their volume, speed and tone of voice.
Use phrases that you hear them use as well.
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6.
Use their name.
◦ When greeting a prospect, use their first name.
◦ Always use your full name.
◦ Use their name at least 3x during the call.
Christopher
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7.
Make a connection.
◦ Use visually descriptive words.
◦ Create trust by discussing their issues and not
yours.
◦ Speak naturally and strive to be helpful.
◦ Be patient, open minded and listen.
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8.
Know their needs.
◦ Know their goals and desires.
Make the impact clear.
◦ Make the business case.
◦ Show the benefits and value.
◦ Use descriptive words to paint a picture.
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10.
Generate short, finite answers (yes / no)
Do not encourage discussion
Limit what participant says
Gain a final answer, conclusion or
confirmation
Examples:
◦ Is it X…?
◦ Have you ever…?
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11.
Generate descriptive answers
Encourage discussion and participation
Promote sharing of experiences and
knowledge
Examples:
◦ How can you…?
◦ What are some ways…?
◦ Why would you want to…?
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12.
A probing question is an open-ended follow
up question intended to elicit a thoughtful
answer.
Allows for a deeper dive into the subject.
Examples:
◦ What did you mean by xxx?
◦ Why do you think this is the case?
◦ What would have to change in order for…?
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13.
Wrapping up the call.
◦ Summarize what was said.
◦ Obtain a commitment.
Recommend an exact date and time for a follow up
either by email or by phone.
Creating a deadline is a powerful tactic.
Allow the prospect to have the last word.
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14.
Follow Up.
◦ If you set up a follow up call, send an email
reminder (invite) immediately.
◦ This email should confirm the date and time
of the appointment.
◦ Build a follow up opening statement.
Remind the client why they agreed to the
follow up call.
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16.
Lie, pretend or exaggerate.
Knock the competition.
Make a pitch to a non-decision maker.
State features of the product without
the benefit.
End a call without asking for the sale.
Talk politics, religion or tell jokes.
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17.
Eat, drink or chew gum while
speaking on the phone.
Socialize on a sales call.
“Wing it” on a sales call.
End a call without knowing the next
step.
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