Many non-salespeople do not realize that they, too, need to be adept on some level at selling. Whether they have to sell ideas to their superiors at work or convince family members to support their personal choices, they must use some basic skills of persuasion. There is not a need to look for a sign that reads "Get sales coaching here." Non-salespeople just need to know a couple of things that can help even the most timid person win someone over to their positions.
Be helpful
It does not go over when when selling is labeled as selling. People always want to know what it in it for them if they give the support they are being asked to give. New ideas have to be presented to others in a way that shows them the benefit. The best tool in a non-seller's arsenal is the ability to probe for other people's needs. Once they are identified, it is easy to suggest a product, service or change that will meet those needs.
Do not sell
Although sales are a necessary part of life, it seems there are few, if any, people who want to be the target of a sale. Rather than coming off sounding like a sales pitch, it is more genuine to just have a conversation with someone. A skillful pitch is one that never presents itself as a pitch. Instead, it is a relaxing, often entertaining, talk in which the other person reveals much more than he is telling.
When people hear the word sales, they tend to become a bit intimidated and standoffish. They typically prepare themselves to hear something that is not completely honest. Almost every conversation is a sale, though. It is just parading under another name.
Be helpful
It does not go over when when selling is labeled as selling. People always want to know what it in it for them if they give the support they are being asked to give. New ideas have to be presented to others in a way that shows them the benefit. The best tool in a non-seller's arsenal is the ability to probe for other people's needs. Once they are identified, it is easy to suggest a product, service or change that will meet those needs.
Do not sell
Although sales are a necessary part of life, it seems there are few, if any, people who want to be the target of a sale. Rather than coming off sounding like a sales pitch, it is more genuine to just have a conversation with someone. A skillful pitch is one that never presents itself as a pitch. Instead, it is a relaxing, often entertaining, talk in which the other person reveals much more than he is telling.
When people hear the word sales, they tend to become a bit intimidated and standoffish. They typically prepare themselves to hear something that is not completely honest. Almost every conversation is a sale, though. It is just parading under another name.
