When I started this blog I intended it to provide with opportunities for business development through networking activities, but of course some selling techniques are always very much appreciated by all.

Here are some brilliant principles put together by Jill Konrath, a leading sales strategist I recently met through LinkedIn.  There is no need for me to elaborate on it, as they are clearly well identified:

(1) To win more sales, stop selling

When people feel like they’re being sold, they react negatively and put up barriers. Focus on helping your prospects achieve their business, professional and personal objectives – not making a sale.

(2) To speed up your sales cycle, slow down

The more quickly you push to a close, the higher resistance you encounter.  Go one step at a time. When your prospects know you want to help them make the right decision, not a rash one, the process moves faster.

(3) To make decisions easier, offer fewer options

When you increase the complexity of the decision, you decrease the likelihood of winning the sale. To help your prospects move forward, give them less to choose from. Keep it simple – always.

(4) To be more natural, prepare like crazy

Today’s customers suffer no fools. If you’re not ready with the right message, questions or presentation, you’ll stumble or be stilted in your meeting. When you do prepare, you can be your best self.

(5) To get bigger contracts, start smaller

When you pursue the “whole shebang”, decisions are more complex and costly, making it much tougher to get approval. Reduce the risk by starting small and proving your capabilities. Then, it’s easy to grow.

(6) To speed up your learning curve, fail fast

It’s inevitable that you’ll make mistakes. So don’t wait till you’ve figured out the “perfect pitch” before moving forward. In sales, there is no failure – just lots of opportunities for experimentation, learning and growth.

(7) To differentiate your offering, become the differentiator

That’s the biggest reality in today’s market. Your products, services or solution are secondary to your knowledge, expertise and the difference you make for your customers. Invest time in yourself.

If you’ve identified among any of these principles a current experience or challenge you are trying to overcome to close that sale, you can visit her blog and get more insightful tips at SELLING TO BIG COMPANIES (Blog).  The book is also available on Amazon.com