subject: Avoid This Lie in Your Opening [print this page] Avoid This Lie in Your Opening Avoid This Lie in Your Opening
I received this note on my Facebook Fan Page:
"Hey Art, maybe you could blog a little on using the phrase, 'this is not a sales call' when trying to set appointments. As a salesperson I think that's dishonest- - you were always shooting for an opportunity. I prefer something more like,
'Even though I am in sales, the purpose of the meeting is to talk about new developments in the X industry and see if that aligns well with plans you may have.'"
Yes, I agree totally.
Avoid This Lie In Your Opening
The call I received a few days ago reminded me of an old joke:
The sales rep reached his targeted decision maker by phone. Even before he could finish introducing his name and company, the gruff executive said,
"Are you a salesperson?"
The caller responded,
"Well, according to my manager, not a very good one."
The rep on my call used a technique I'm hearing every so often on prospecting calls, and I think it's ridiculous.
He stated his name and company, then said,
"I'm not trying to sell you anything."
Immediately that branded him as a liar in my mind
Sure, maybe he wasn't going to sell me anything that day (or any day, for that matter) But of course, his ultimate intent IS to sell. Therefore, I look at that technique as a lie. And a waste of time that could be invested in moving the sales process forward, while not alienating a prospect who sees through the deception.
For defenders of this technique, save your emails, I don't want to see them. I've heard all the arguments for using this...
...it puts the other person at ease, it lets them know you're not going to give them a pitch, and it positions you as more of an information-gatherer instead of a one-call close salesperson.
Whatever.
It's a waste of words. And it unnecessarily limits you on calls.
We have just a few seconds to say something of potential value in the first 10 seconds of a Smart prospecting call. Get right to the point, state the possible value you might be able to deliver, of course using the Smart intelligence you have gathered to personalize and customize the opening, and then let them know you'd like to ask a few questions to determine if you have the basis
Now Pay Close Attention --
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