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Guest post by: Bob Hooey Become an Author

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By Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey, Author and Sales Success Coach

Perhaps you've heard or been taught that sharing Features, Advantages and Benefits (FAB) is a more effective approach than just feature dumping on our prospective customers. But do we effectively do that in our sales conversations?

Let me share a simple experience where a young shoe salesman (Joseph) did this very well. We all need shoes and hopefully, since we are on our feet a lot, we select some that are comfortable, yet stylish to wear when we are at work. At least that is my story.

Feature (which means) Advantage (which means) Benefit (to customer)
calfskin leather molds to your foot custom made feel
full leather lining finished feel instant comfort
traditional loafer will stay in style wear for years

I was in Puerto Vallarta doing some sailing last summer (2007). One afternoon I was enjoying a quiet break doing some window shopping. Along the way a very stylish, yet simple, pair of two-tone loafers caught my eye in a little shoe store off the quaint cobblestone street. Thinking I was only looking, I stepped into the store to check them out. I picked them up and quickly put them down, as my initial reaction was, "Wow...these are not cheap!"

My young and very wise shoe expert approached and engaged me in conversation about my visit to his store, to Puerto Vallarta, and what I did for a living. I made the mistake of telling him I was a professional speaker and sales success trainer who traveled sharing ideas on how others could be more successful in their lives, careers, sales, etc. (Guess he figured I could really afford them... smile.)

Picking up the shoes and holding them with care, he said, "You know, when you wear these traditional loafers, your going to have a big smile on your face because 'one of the great things' about these shoes is they're soft calfskin leather with a full leather lining. And as you wear them, they will mold to the shape of your feet, giving you a custom-made feel."
He continued, "It would be fun to walk around in custom-made shoes, don't you think?" I hesitantly agreed, “…it would be great.”

He could have just said, "These shoes are all leather, which is flexible, making them very comfortable." And on the surface that sounds good, doesn't it? However what he said engaged me and was much more effective in getting me to seriously consider investing in a pair for myself, don't you think?

He talked about how the shoes were made. He mentioned, they were bench-crafted, which meant one person was completely responsible for making this specific pair of shoes.
Joseph then went in for the kill, "Since they are bench-crafted, they have the artisan's name on them. When they're finished, these shoes have no nicks, no scratches, and all of the components fit perfectly. Unlike shoes made on an assembly line, these shoes are one of a kind."
Then he asked me a simple closing question, "What size do you wear?" He then proceeded to have me try on a pair in my size.

Long story, made short: He was right, they are delightful to wear. When I walked out of his store, both of us had big smiles on our faces. I can hardly wait for the snow to leave so I can take them out for a walk here in Northern Alberta.

Simple story of how one young salesman took his craft to the next level by engaging his customer and telling a story that allowed me to see myself in those shoes.
Do you do that with your customers when they come into your store? Or when you visit them in their place of business?

Do you know enough about your products that you can craft engaging stories to help your customers see themselves sitting in front of that big screen Plasma TV, on that leather sofa with matching love seat and chair, end tables, coordinated lamps and accents to enjoy that quiet evening together? Can they see themselves enjoying their well-funded retirement? Can they see themselves driving that navy blue, sporty new Mustang convertible? You get the point.
Are you willing to engage your customers to help them see it in their mind's eye before they see it in their house, office, or life?

Do you know enough about the benefits your services provide that you can create captivating stories that help your prospective customers see themselves enjoying the benefit of wisely selecting you to help enhance their lives, businesses, and careers?

Do you think this might help you build and expand your business or enhance your career? Get walking and talking on your journey to success in selling.

© 2008 Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey www.SecretSellingTips.com Apply the secrets to increase your sales success.

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