Inspires attention in conversation

ENGAGING - Inspires attention in conversation

Hari turned away from the laptop screen and smiled at the Sales Coach. “So, how did I do?”

The Sales Coach gave him a thumbs up from the far end of the conference table, away from the camera. “Great show, Hari, specially considering this is only your second virtual Customer call. You did a good job. Some observations: 1) When the Customer was distracted by his doorbell, you talked right through it 2) Did you notice that thrice, the Customer paused, as if thoughtfully. Instead of waiting for her to resume, you interrupted her thought. And from thereon she just switched off. 3) Your laptop screen had notifications pop-up with annoying beeps. You got distracted, and missed a positive hint she gave you about the competition. 4) Your call ended rather abruptly, as if you were in a hurry to finish. Let’s review sit down over tea and review how to get even better”

Conversation is a gift with successful salespeople. Formal sales conversation however, isn’t simple small talk. Accomplished sales professionals know people have limited attention spans. So, they steer clear of distractions, and inspire attention, keeping the conversation focused and purposeful. They watch out to stay clear of..

The 4D’s that can derail a good sales conversation:

D1 - Disturbances – From external sources. Like, a door bell. Tip: Don’t talk through it, wait till it is over and resume after confirming where you stopped.

D2 – Distracted Customer – Customer thinking of something else or mentally disagreeing with you. Tip: In a virtual meeting, pause and smilingly ask “Thinking something?“ On a conference call, pause and say "Am pausing to listen to your feedback and answer queries“ Ask a question – “How do your rate your last purchase?”

D3 - Distracted Salesperson Showing signs like fidgeting with things, excessive hand movements and gestures, repeated use of word tags, constant urge to check the phone, irritating pop-ups. Tip: Seek candid feedback from Customers, managers and colleagues and practice staying focused and positive in conversations.

D4 - Dysfunctional conversation habits – Examples: (a)Tendency to go “Umm” when stuck for ideas or words (b) Faking an unnatural accent (c) Interrupting when the Customer is speaking Tip: Check if you are into any of them and after becoming self-aware, simply let go of them through conscious efforts

Accomplished Sales Professionals use the Virtual Enhancers to their advantage – (1) Like trained TV anchors they look at the camera, not the screen (2) Infuse cadence and emotion into their voices (3) Make intelligent use of chat (4) Demonstrate 100% focus and presence. Stay away from temptation to multi-task or check notifications and mails

While completing a Customer call, they always conclude the conversation with something that is of special interest to the Customer. It could be Sport, weather, music, food or even a simple question on where he comes from. It always generates an interesting and enjoyable exchange. Accomplished sales professionals always inspire attention, because they never forget to bring some joy as well.