Maximizing Sales Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Sales Conversations
April 3, 2024What is a sales discussion?
A sales conversation is an exchange between a sales representative and a potential buyer regarding the acquisition of a product or service. These discussions — frequently conducted either face-to-face or via video conferencing — encompass various components, including initial agenda-setting by the representative, presenting the product, a demonstration, addressing prospect concerns and representative responses, negotiation, and outlining the subsequent steps. Ideally, a representative concludes a sales discussion with an affirmative commitment from the prospect to make a purchase.
How to prepare for a sales conversation?
In a typical sales process, much of the groundwork, including prospect research and qualification, occurs days or weeks before the sales conversation is even scheduled. The strategies outlined below are specific to the conversation itself.
1. Establish expectations before the actual discussion
Before initiating the discussion, ascertain the prospect’s requirements and pain points. This prevents any unexpected surprises during the discussion, as you have already established alignment with product solutions and set expectations for what lies ahead.
"Communicate what you will cover in the conversation, but specifically, share a brief value proposition of how you can potentially assist them," advises Alex Miller, sales coach and president of Apex Consulting Group.
This is also an opportunity to tactfully inquire about other stakeholders involved in the decision-making process before the purchase can be finalized. For larger companies, this often includes legal teams and senior executives. Provide an advance copy of the contract or a prepared quote so all decision-makers can review sales details before the conversation.
2. Develop a tailored presentation
Our Sales Trends report shows that 87% of business buyers expect sales representatives to function as trusted advisors, conducting preliminary product research before ever engaging in a conversation. This means you are dealing with well-informed buyers, and you will need to understand your prospects’ needs thoroughly to demonstrate value effectively. Without that knowledge, you risk delivering a generic sales pitch that fails to address the prospect's unique challenges.
Conduct research that offers guidance on which products will solve your buyer’s challenges. Then, create a slide deck or presentation specifically addressing those needs.
Also, consider the communication and engagement preferences of your prospect as you prepare your pitch. Some prefer standard slides, while others may prefer video or interactive content.
3. Prepare a demonstration
Discussing your product as a solution only goes so far. To ensure you are delivering what the prospect needs, consider presenting a video or interactive demo during the sales conversation. Keep it to no more than 10 minutes and, if necessary, prepare the person leading the demo so they know to highlight specific features that meet the prospect's needs.
4. Anticipate likely objections and responses
Expect objections to the sale — even if you have done your homework and mapped out the perfect product solution for the prospect. To prepare for this inevitability, outline the sales objections your prospect is likely to have, along with responses. Use this as a reference during the sales conversation.
Summarize with a sincere thank you. Thank your prospect for their time, attention, and allowing you to help them solve their problems. This is a good time to recap their challenges and how you can help. That recap can show someone you have actively listened and also gives you another chance to ensure you are on the same page.
Confirm next steps. Do you owe the prospect a specification sheet or a price quote? Are you going to meet again to discuss things? This is where you would clearly lay out what each party owes the other and when each is due. Make sure you mention the day and date as well as the method you will use to follow up.
Conclude with contact confirmation and a call to action. Now that you know the next steps, it is a good time to confirm contact information such as physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, as well as name spelling. (Pro tip: Make sure all this data goes into your company’s CRM.) Then, conclude with a call to action. Sending out a meeting invitation, emailing a link so they can download information or watch a webinar, or setting up another call all qualify and can help you move to the next step in the sales funnel.