Stop Presenting
In three separate conversations, I was contacted by 2 sales representatives and one entrepreneur who asked to provide a critique of a presentation that they were taking to a prospect. While the circumstances around each were different, there was one common challenge I identified following each conversation-information around a solution, product, or service was being presented way too soon! None of the three understood how the prospect ran their business without the recommendation that they would prescribe. And only one realized how this approach would lower their chances of a successful outcome, even if they did (for some strange reason) win the business.
A sales presentation is often the prelude to closing the sale. Stop for a minute to think that the sales presentation is more like third base. Understanding how a prospect would use your product or service, what their title was, what the decision making process is, what problem is solved by buying from you are all the issues that will get you to first or second base. Jumping right to the boilerplate sales presentation is one sure way to be knocked out of the game.
Today’s marketplace is very unforgiving. Buyers have more information and less time than ever before. Asking the right questions and taking the time to listen and learn about how to help solve a buyer’s problem is the road to success. Sellers will have fewer opportunities to be “at bat” so make sure that your presentations count. Make sure your sales organization is not squandering those opportunities by practicing “spray & pray”.
Flannery Sales Systems helps organizations develop and implement a repeatable sales process. Improving the effectiveness of your sales organization is a key success strategy for the coming year. We would welcome an opportunity to explore your needs and understand where you could benefit from an improved skills and processes. Only then would we consider making you a presentation! Flannery Sales Systems works with a broad cross section of industries and we are confident that we can enhance your results.