As a long time salesman, I’ve come across my fair share, and then some of difficult people. I know I’m not alone, as I once overheard a fairly new salesman tell a coworker that, ” Selling is a geat way to make a living … except for the people you sell to. “
I know how he feels, as I’ve ran into every available type of individual there is. From those that just plain enjoy making salesmen miserable, to intolerant, unreasonable, cranky, mean, overbearing and the worst of all – fools. I suffer them poorly.
Since we can’t pick and choose, we have to deal with whoever calls, we might as well get used to it and find a way, or two, to deal with those that are so self-important that they think of no feelings other than their own.
One technique that works on a majority of those that fit this description is to play to their self-inflated ego.
Pretty simple and simply effective.
What they want, even need, is for you to bow down to their mightyness.
For a good commission, I can do it all day long. Deep down inside, I know that I’m the winner in the long run.
You may think you won the battle, but I’ll win the war. You spent your money, I collected it.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner ! Or at least that’s what they say at Fuzzy’s Place.
The techniques I try to use when playing to their ego are :
1) Ask for their advice, not help, advice - This one never fails, even when you’re selling them something.
2) Make a favorable comment on some of the things they say - Don’t suck up, don’t flatter, compliment. There is a difference.
3) Repeat and remember what they say - I’ve already blogged about this.
There are several other ways to accomplish this and I’m hoping somebody will add to the list, expand on this post or help us all out by giving us their advice.
Don’t make me do all the work, join in and keep this thought train on track.
As for the image I used, I found Jeff Mowatt’s site and liked the look of things over there. I’ve not read any of his work, as of yet, but I thought I’d use this and see if any of you could give us some advice about his products.
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