Why make a list of 7 ways to fail in sales? Well, why not? Besides knowing what skills can help you be successful in sales, I believe it is also important to know what not to do in sales. Maybe you think “Well those points are obvious, I knew that”. Well, I am sharing it because even though it seems obvious, I still see this too often in sales meetings. And there is no harm in repeating right?
1. Being Fake
Not being yourself and acting fake is something your customers figure out very quickly. Acting like someone else and putting a fake smile on your face is a guaranteed way to have your customers not trusting you and running away. We like to do business with people we like, with real people, and with real engagement!
2. Not being honest
Maybe you are not lying but leaving out the truth is actually the same. Don’t promise things that are not true because how can you keep your promise based on lies? Being honest actually works very well as your customers will appreciate that you are upfront and will be more likely to build a business relationship with you.
3. Not listening
The only way to be great at sales and to understand your customers is to shut up 80% of the time! You can’t hear what your customer is saying when you are talking. I believe that good listening is the key to a successful meeting and eventually leads to a deal. To a deal? Yes, because you listened, understood your customer’s needs, and responded to them.
4. Pushy
A lot of people think that selling is to push the product or service through the customer's throat…or sending a DM to a target group that is not even close to becoming a customer. Nobody likes it when sales reps are pushing their products or services, that is one of the reasons why we don’t pick up the phone anymore if we see an anonymous caller.
5. Arrogance
There is a difference between being confident and just being flat-out arrogant. There is nothing wrong with being confident, better yet I believe more of us should be more confident. But arrogance won’t help you, you can brag to your customer and give them the feeling that you don’t need them…which…is not a message you want to send.
6. Not keeping your promises
Not keeping your promise can and most likely will result in a breach of trust and maybe losing the customer forever. When you promise to send an email that day, then send it that day. When you promise a product then you better have that product to sell. Keeping your promises builds trust with your customers and your reputation.
7. Trying to sell to everyone
Trying to sell to all customers. If you are selling products for women only, why would you try to sell to companies or men or kids? Your products or services are not for everyone, know your target group and you will become more successful than wanting to sell to all. Why do you think there are so many blogs about “knowing your niche”?
Bonus tip: Don’t sell to unsellable people (it’s not worth your energy or time)
