8 Tips for the Sales-Averse CEO

Don’t worry if you’re not a natural salesperson. These rules make sales pitching as painless as possible.

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Let Them Buy

"The negative stigma of a salesperson as pushy and inauthentic made me very reluctant to sell in the early days of our company, but one of our advisors helped reframe the process. He asked me, "Do you believe you're providing real value?" Yes, very much so. "Then let them buy. You are selling something that will improve their lives. Take pride in that and get it out into the world.""


Give Your Personal Perspective

"You're the CEO, which makes you the most powerful sales person at your company. A CEO's perspective is valued more by clients, especially if they're business owners. Relate to them and talk strategically about the value your product or service creates. When you offer a deal or guarantee, clients feel comfortable knowing you are the one backing it up. Own it -- you are the company's greatest asset."


Develop a Script

"One of the biggest problems I see in individuals who hate doing sales is they never know "what the right thing to say" is. Therefore, I recommend you always start by developing a foolproof sales script, which you can use in case of emergency when all other words begin to fail you. That way, you always have something valuable worth saying to prospects."


Focus on the Solution

"Know your customer, your solution and how it solves their problem. That is it. Ask them what their problems are with their business. Then, present them key features and benefits of your product that help solve some of those problems. If there is interest, they will ask for more specifics and you can just reply with what you know. Get them talking about themselves; don't just sit there and talk about yourself."


Ask for the Sale

"Many sales-averse people forget the most important part of the sales process: asking for the sale. Once you finish your pitch and answer questions from your potential customer, go in for the close. Make the closing question concise and after you pose it, keep your mouth closed. The last thing you want to do is talk yourself out of a sale."


Listen to What They Want First

"Even if a CEO hates sales, he can still listen to prospects. But I mean, really listen. Find out what they are working on; what's new and exciting. Then and only then talk about what you are working on yourself. Ask if they see a possibility of working together. They will inevitably list reasons why it won't work, but that's when you listen closely. Find out what they want and tweak your pitch accordingly."


Resources

8 Tips for the Sales-Averse CEO

Don’t worry if you’re not a natural salesperson. These rules make sales pitching as painless as possible.

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Question: What is one rule that will help even the most sales-averse CEO close more deals?

Let Them Buy

"The negative stigma of a salesperson as pushy and inauthentic made me very reluctant to sell in the early days of our company, but one of our advisors helped reframe the process. He asked me, "Do you believe you're providing real value?" Yes, very much so. "Then let them buy. You are selling something that will improve their lives. Take pride in that and get it out into the world.""


Give Your Personal Perspective

"You're the CEO, which makes you the most powerful sales person at your company. A CEO's perspective is valued more by clients, especially if they're business owners. Relate to them and talk strategically about the value your product or service creates. When you offer a deal or guarantee, clients feel comfortable knowing you are the one backing it up. Own it -- you are the company's greatest asset."


Develop a Script

"One of the biggest problems I see in individuals who hate doing sales is they never know "what the right thing to say" is. Therefore, I recommend you always start by developing a foolproof sales script, which you can use in case of emergency when all other words begin to fail you. That way, you always have something valuable worth saying to prospects."


Focus on the Solution

"Know your customer, your solution and how it solves their problem. That is it. Ask them what their problems are with their business. Then, present them key features and benefits of your product that help solve some of those problems. If there is interest, they will ask for more specifics and you can just reply with what you know. Get them talking about themselves; don't just sit there and talk about yourself."


Ask for the Sale

"Many sales-averse people forget the most important part of the sales process: asking for the sale. Once you finish your pitch and answer questions from your potential customer, go in for the close. Make the closing question concise and after you pose it, keep your mouth closed. The last thing you want to do is talk yourself out of a sale."


Listen to What They Want First

"Even if a CEO hates sales, he can still listen to prospects. But I mean, really listen. Find out what they are working on; what's new and exciting. Then and only then talk about what you are working on yourself. Ask if they see a possibility of working together. They will inevitably list reasons why it won't work, but that's when you listen closely. Find out what they want and tweak your pitch accordingly."


See Also: What TED Talk Speakers Teach Us About Presenting

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