Episode 79: Mastering Sales: The Four-Step Process Every SME Should Know (Short 1)

In this weeks video we talk about one of the intriguing concepts mentioned in the latest episode of the #Add A Zero Podcast is the idea of "sales as a service" and the dynamics of the buyer-seller dance. This concept revolves around a more holistic and service-oriented approach to sales, rather than simply focusing on closing the deal or boosting commission.Sales as a service challenges the traditional view that the ultimate goal of sales is merely cash in the bank. Instead, it places emphasis on how a salesperson can be of genuine service to a potential buyer. This involves a strategy where you don't rush the process, but instead, nurture it by understanding the customer's needs, challenges, and the right steps to move them towards a successful purchase decision.Imagine you walk into a store and a salesperson approaches you immediately with, "How can I help you today?" Your instinctive response might be, "Thanks, I'm just looking." This reflexive reaction is part of the intricacies of the buyer-seller dance, a subconscious "not yet" that many of us default to, simply because we need time to adjust to a new environment and maintain a sense of control over the decision-making process.Sales as a service recognizes these buyer defenses and suggests slowing down the sales process to improve the overall conversion rate. By allowing a potential customer to move at their own pace, and by providing valuable assistance and information at each stage, you enhance their buying experience and build a foundation of trust.There are four key stages to this sales process. Firstly, there's education, where the salesperson informs the buyer about potential needs or challenges they may not even be aware of. The second step involves questioning and qualifying, ensuring that both parties understand the problem accurately and are equipped to find the best solution. The third stage is concerned with budgeting and timing, determining whether the buyer is ready and able to proceed with a purchase. Finally, a considerate and timely approach to closing the sale ensures that both seller and buyer end up satisfied with the outcome.This method aligns with the notion that as a business owner or sales professional, you're also a customer in other aspects of your life. Those previous experiences as a buyer inform your selling habits, sometimes detrimentally. Putting an emphasis on the aim of improving a customer's condition through service means parking those biases, learning from past purchase experiences, and focusing on the customer's journey.Ultimately, when practiced effectively, sales as a service leads to a more authentic, trust-based relationship between buyer and seller, where both parties feel they have gained value from the exchange. This approach not only improves conversion rates but leads to more meaningful, lasting business relationships. Just like the #Add A Zero Podcast illustrates, by understanding the complexities of the buyer-seller dance and adopting a service mindset, you can turn every sales opportunity into an enriching interaction.An aligned sales cycle doesn't just boost your conversion rates, but it also means you've made a real difference for your customer. Stay tuned for next week where we'll tackle pricing for profit to ensure you're always on the path of sustainable growth. #SMEChallenges, #SalesStrategy, #BuyerSellerDance, #SalesAsService, #CustomerCentric, #PsychologyOfSales, #SlowSalesProcess, #ImproveConversionRates, #SalesCycle, #SoundBusinessStepsFull episode Wednesday at 12pm