#1. Train your staff to understand that “The answer is no unless the boss says yes.” Once you have built up a certain rapport with customers, they will know to come to you if they have any questions.
#2. When somebody has a question that only the boss can answer, help them get what they are looking for. If you cannot answer their question, tell them that you will do your best to get an answer for them. Then get back in touch with the customer and let them know what they want to hear.
#3. Understand how different people speak differently, and make a conscious effort to prepare the right speech for the right person. Customers will feel more comfortable if they understand what you are saying.
#4. Ask open ended questions to get potential customers talking about their problems, and show an interest in their answers. Listen carefully to what they have to say and try to relate with them somehow, instead of immediately speaking about your product or service.
#5. Know what kinds of objections are common, and be able to overcome them with ease. Customers will appreciate you more if you can successfully help them through their issues rather than brushing it off.
#6. When selling your product or service, keep the focus on your customers’ desires instead of your own goals. The more they feel that their needs are being met, the more satisfied they will be.
#7. Get the most out of your cold calling and telemarketing efforts by using a script that is brief but powerful. Always ask to speak with the decision maker, do not let anyone else answer for them.
#8. Show customers that you truly care about their satisfaction by taking the time to get to know them. Connect with people on a personal level and build relationships, not just sales.
#9. Use various ways to communicate with customers, including email and social media. People appreciate it when you take the time out of your day to write up an email or text message, rather than making a phone call.
#10. Be able to adjust your presentation and strategy based on person to person. Some people are more interested in the price of your service, while others are only looking for discounts or coupons. Tailor your message accordingly.
#11. Make an effort to keep in touch with past clients. Send them monthly newsletters or emails that feature new products, offer coupons or discounts, or remind them of outstanding services you have provided in the past.
#12. Learn how to “go with your gut” in uncertain situations. Always follow your heart and intuition when it comes to knowing what is best for your customers.
#13. Ask customers what options they have instead of immediately offering solutions. Always try to give the customer a choice, because people appreciate when they are in control.
#14. Use the power of storytelling to create a strong connection with customers. People are more likely to remember you when you share an anecdote that relates to their own lives.
#15. Stay positive even when customers are negative. Deal with criticism and harsh comments in a way that does not draw attention away from your customer, and instead shows them how you can help improve the situation.
#16. Keep notes on every meeting and interaction that you have with customers. Use this information to better understand what they go through and how you can help them.
#17. Always be honest and transparent with customers, even if it is difficult or embarrassing. People will respect your honesty more than anything else, especially if the truth helps them out greatly.
#18. Use humor in everyday life to enhance your overall experience, and bring the same humorous approach to business. Customers love it when you show a good sense of humor as well as a positive attitude.
#19. Make sure that everyone on your team is working towards the same goal by creating an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up about problems or concerns. Always give them a chance to speak their minds, and do not reprimand or punish them if they make a mistake.
#20. Remain positive when you are in the presence of customers who may be negative, instead of feeding into their emotions. Instead try to maintain your composure and show confidence in your product or service, regardless of how much negativity is being thrown your way.
#21. Have a plan in place for when things do not go as planned with customers, and always have an actionable solution on hand to fix the problem quickly. This will help them feel more comfortable around you, and give them a reason to come back in the future if they need your service or product again.
#22. Concentrate on sales and promotion when you first start a new business, rather than focusing on the actual product or service that you offer. The last thing you want is for your customers to be disappointed with your product or service, which can easily happen if you spend most of your time trying to sell it instead of perfecting it.
#23. Be open and flexible with customer payments, and always look for different payment options to accommodate their needs. Successful sales people will go out of their way to ensure that you, as a customer, get exactly what you need in terms of payment methods and timing.
#24. Never sell anything that you would not buy for yourself. If you do not believe in your product or service, no one else will either. Always maintain a high level of respect and appreciation for your customers to ensure successful sales.
#25. Remember the importance of after-sales services, which are sometimes more important than actual sales. Great customer service will always make customers feel like they are important to your company, and give them a reason to return in the future.