How to avoid putting your food in your mouth
There are sales phrases that every person has heard just one too many times; phrases that make even the most patient person want to scream. As a sales representative, it is in your best interest to avoid these sales phrases to the best of your ability. Your job is to win customers over, not turn them away with the wrong words. What are these “avoid-at-all-cost” words and phrases? Let’s take a look at seven sales phrases to discontinue and throw out of your typical sales conversation.
Sales phrases you need to stop using
“Just Checking In”
This is a very non-specific and essentially useless phrase. What are you checking in about? Why are you checking in? If you are checking in because the person has already missed a meeting or a phone call, a different approach may be needed. Add value and be direct. Try: “I am checking in because I had an idea that might help you.” “I am checking in because I may have missed something important and would like to talk about it with you.”
Starting every sentence with “I.”
If you frequently utter sales phrases that start with “I”, such as “I just wanted to…” or “I was thinking…” or “I am…”, the tone of the conversation changes to being all about one person. Try to include the other side in the conversation, too!
“I don’t want to waste your time.”
Nothing that you have to say is a waste of time or should be construed as a waste of time.
“Don’t”
Try to avoid any negative terminology when referring to your services or products. Phrase all aspects of your product and services in a positive light.
“Cheap”
Certain sales phrases stick and form association patterns for potential clients even if you did not use these words to describe your services or products. Again, try to stay positive through your pitch.
“Let me give you some advice.”
Not everyone (or anyone) is looking for advice. Starting sales phrases off like this puts you and the potential client at odds right off the bat. Try offering an example where you “had a similar experience in the past.”
“Quota”
Never mention a quota when giving a sales pitch. Quota makes it sounds like you are just trying to close a sale. No one needs to hear about the numbers that you need to meet. Each client wants to feel unique and like they are the only ones.
These are just some examples of sales phrases to avoid as a sales representative. Words and phrases should be used as tools to close sales and win your customers over. When you put a client at ease, you are at ease.