As salespeople, asking questions is a fundamental skill. Talking to prospect customers is not as important as asking them questions, because this is a great way to understand what the potential customer needs, and in fulfilling that need, make a sale. To Know More, https://www.yatharthmarketing.com/5-stupid-sales-questions-that-can-ruin-your-prospects/

1. 5 Stupid Sales Questions That Can Ruin Your
Prospects
As salespeople, asking questions is a fundamental skill. Talking to prospect
customers is not as important as asking them questions, because this is a
great way to understand what the potential customer needs, and in fulfilling
that need, make a sale.
Yet, asking the wrong thing is worse than not asking anything. This is because
some questions can leave a wrong impression on the buyer about you or the
product/ service you are selling. It might even damage the
relationship beyond repair.If we are being honest, buyers do require assistance
in making a purchase on a lot of things. Yet, they hesitate before approaching
salespeople for help. This does not help either the customer, nor you, the
salesperson. And sometimes, it’s just the wrong things that your sales guys you
are asking. You have to speak to them and make sure that they aren’t wasting
time on such questions. You may have to invest in​ ​sales training​ to ensure that
they have the right questions.

2. So let’s look at some common questions your sales team is getting wrong:
“How are you?”
This is a common question that most of us start with. While it is not wrong in
itself, it is a formality that even the customer realises is just a filler for you to
gather your thoughts. They know that you are probably not even listening as
you are formulating the right approach for them. It may be effective, but when
every single salesperson is using this question to begin a conversation, it’s time
you change your approach. A better way to start would probably be to start
with the issue directly, like, “Are you considering buying this? Let me tell you
about its functions.” This way, they avoid the awkward chit-chat and you
immediately catch attention with information that is immediately relevant to
them.
Consider sales consultancy for your sales employees so they get the
conversation right. The important thing is to make the customer trust you, and
if he thinks that your conversation starter is a cliche, the opportunity for sale
might pass.
What budget are we working with?
This is another question that salespeople think will make the process easier.
But obviously, the customer is aware of why you are asking this question. They
will almost always not reveal their budget, which is already a strike.
An effective salesperson has to first understand the customer need, and
estimate their spend capability. There is no point in asking questions that will
not get you a straight answer. This might seem like a small first step. But
successful sales trainers advise that this question should be avoided with
customers.
Related Blog: 7 Simple Reasons Why Your Sales Training Program may Fail
Can you tell me a little bit about your business?
This question will straightaway tell your potential customer that you have not
put any effort into the conversation. This information is always available, and
effective salespeople would have done the research before even saying hello.

3. Sales trainers emphasise that this is a terrible question to ask a potential buyer.
Even related questions such as “What are your pain points?” or “what is your
competition?” do not show you in a good light.
Do you have a minute?
No! This question is not even true. Do you think the customer does not know
that it will take more than a minute for you to pitch the product? Will this
encourage him to trust you to give valuable information, or has the customer
already made up his or her mind that you are only repeating the pitch you
almost always use? So their answer is going to be No!
Instead, a better way to start a call or conversation is by asking if this is a good
time to talk. The potential client is almost certain to say yes, it’s a good time. All
you are asking for is if the customer can talk to you. They are now invested in
the conversation, and you have a better chance of closing the deal.
Would you like some time to think about it?
This question is tricky at best. At first glance it might seem like a good idea to
give the customer some space to think about the purchase. Otherwise you are
worried you might come across as pushy. But the truth is, you might be letting
the sale get away.
Sales trainers and consultants will tell you that you have to engage your
customer in a way that they will be ready to be persuaded. When you are in

4. the middle of the pitch, if you take your foot off the accelerator, you are letting
them lose interest. They are likely to get distracted with something, and all the
effort you put into the pitch will be lost.
These questions might not make or break a sale, but they weaken your sales
game. Sales training can make sure that you and your team build a strong
gameplan on approaching potential customers.
​Source ​:
https://www.yatharthmarketing.com/5-stupid-sales-questions-that-can-ruin-y
our-prospects/