Most Prospects we call on have already been called by many other Salespeople. Unfortunately they've also been asked the same basic Qualifying Questions many times before. If you appreciate that most people are creatures of habit, you’ll understand that most of these Prospect have developed Scripted Answers to these Scripted Questions.
Unfortunately these Answers aren't always the whole truth and nothing but the truth especially if you accept their first response. A great Tip to get these Prospects off of their Script (plus help us to become a better listener) is to start using Continuation Phrases. As soon as the Prospect is done answering each Question, immediately say:
"Go on" or
"Please continue" or
"And then what happened" or
"Tell me more"
This will get them off of their Script and requires that they explain, justify and/or enhance their initial response. The odds are that whatever they say next is usually much closer to the truth than their first answer or comment. This is also a great Technique to use with the “Whales”. These are people with extremely deep pockets that normally “Hold their Cards close to their Chest”. In other words they give you very short 1 or 2 word responses which makes it difficult to properly Qualify them The use of Continuation Phrases gets them to open up and become more talkative.
About the Author:
Stan Billue, CSP has been called the most Ripped Off, Respected and Referred-to Sales Trainer alive. He's a recognized expert in Sales Training, Telemarketing, Motivation, Mentoring, Marketing and Copy Writing. He's been a student of successful Business Owners, top Sales Pros, and imaginative Entrepreneurs, an hour a day for 30 plus years and doubled his Income for 5 consecutive years selling on the Phone. Free Newsletter at www.StanBillue.com
Continuation Phrases cough up Cash
