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How A Doubting Thomas Affects Your Ability to Increase Sales
Written by: Leanne Hoagland-SmithArticle Overview: With the sales process for many now involving more than one decision maker, this increases the odds for dealing with the “doubting Thomas.” Invariably one of those involved has not been totally convinced that you have earned the sale.
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How A Doubting Thomas Affects Your Ability to Increase Sales
With the sales process for many now involving more than one decision maker, this increases the odds for dealing with the "doubting Thomas." Invariably one of those involved has not been totally convinced that you have earned the sale.
Yet, how many sales professionals have prepared for the reluctant buyer, the one, lonely voice in the room? Sales Coaching Tip: There may be more than one Doubting Thomas.
Another phrase for a doubting Thomas is a sales objection. How many of these obstacles to gaining commitment to move the sales process forward are the result of one doubting Thomas?
Sometimes the unwilling purchaser is the prime decision maker. At other times, a key center of influence can hold that specific role. Whatever the role, the bottom line is a Doubting Thomas can impede if not totally derail your goal to turn this potential qualified customer into a bring new customer.
How do you find the resistant individuals? Usually, the best way is to ask early within the sales process. By asking who else is involved in making a decision helps to identify all key players. Sometimes it is even wise as to determine who else may be affected by your solution be it a product or service.
For many savvy sales professionals, they invest the time in knowing the gate keeper (a.k.a. administrative assistant) and surrounding support staff. Until you understand the culture of the organization, there may be a Doubting Thomas lurking in the shadows who can quickly deflate your entire sales presentation.
Once you have identified any potential Doubting Thomas'es you then must put together a plan to build a relationship with these individuals. The relationship could be a simple phone call and offering help to a more extended one where you may need to invest additional time. Only you know how much time you are willing to invest depending upon the value of the overall contract or purchase.
By taking this action to locate and to build a relationship with any Doubting Thomas will only increase your sales to earn (a.k.a. close) ratio. Remember, objections do not materialize out of thin air, but are raised by individuals who have doubts.
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About the Author: Leanne Hoagland-Smith RSS for Leanne's articles - Visit Leanne's website  Her book, Be the Red Jacket is a no-nonsense and quick read to help discover potential gaps that may be keeping you from your goal to increase sales. The forward is by Evan Carmichael of EvanCarmichael.com Remember if you think you cannot or you think you can either way you are right. (Henry Ford). Sales Coaching Tip: Change your thoughts; improve your results. Click here to visit Leanne's website   Leadership Audit For Business Leadership Assessment Business Building Check List |
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Re: Online Sales and Marketing vs Traditional
- [quote="ltrahan":31w9r2iz]Hi Evan,
I am noticing that many of the posts in the Sales/Marketing section deal with online marketing, SEM and and SEO and Affiliates. I was wondering if it might be a good idea to separate that section into two; 1) Online Sales and Marketing; 2) Traditional Sales and Marketing[/quote:31w9r2iz]
I second the request...
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