Selling today has, in many cases, become like a giant shell game, or what I refer to as the Big Pow Wow. For those of you who haven't got a clue as to what I am talking about, let me explain. Years ago, when the white man invaded the Native American's homeland, they would often bring gifts. These gift exchanges were accomplished with a variety of ritualistic behavior on the part of both parties. When all was said and done, if the white man escaped with his head it was a good day. Both groups or parties were selling - the Native Americans, the right to continue to hunt, or even live; and the white invaders, their goods and trinkets from the east in exchange for their ultimate agendas of seizing the lands away from the native Americans. By the way if you have Native American blood please don’t take offense at this illustration.
O.K. let’s flash forward 200-250 years and what have we got? You and I are trading what we have (the product or service we provide - that our customer wants or needs) for their wampum. (That's money, folks.)
Some Native Americans, without the benefit of attending the latest seminar on effective negotiation, were quite persuasive when it came to getting more of what they wanted. The white men often walked away, after giving a great deal, with the feeling that they had been taken to the cleaners. Today, many salespeople give away far too much, in the way of margins, discounts and extra services, to satisfy the demands or expectations of the prospect. They treat the sales process like a big shell game or old fashioned Pow Wow.
Customers today want value, not trinkets; service, not empty words; honest commitments, not temporary involvement; and fair treatment, not selfish demands. In an age where competition abounds, choices are increasing, and quality, service and timely communication are the hallmarks of positive relationships, salespeople can no longer afford to live with the illusions that they can get by with World Series tickets, dinners at expensive restaurants or special gifts. People are as smart now as they were 200 years ago, maybe even smarter.
Be careful not to fall into the trap of giving away more than is necessary. Most customers today would rather have a fair price, a good value and professional treatment far more than all of this useless, meaningless or temporary stuff.
If you want to ride off into the sunset with your head where it belongs - on top of your shoulders, become familiar with what your customers really want, not what you think they want or may even tell you they want.
Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. Since 1981 he has given over 3500 presentations in 21 countries on a variety of sales, management, leadership and relationship topics. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; Soft Sell, That’s Life, Peace Of Mind, 91 Challenges Managers Face Today and Your First Year In Sales. He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com.
Source: www.articletrader.com
