Every sale follows roughly the same pattern. In order to succeed in sales you need to master each one of these stages.
1. Prospect for Leads
You can't prospect effectively without knowing all about your product. If you possess no idea about your product you will have no idea about your customers
2. Set an Appointment
Many salespeople prefer to cold call over the phone, but you can call in person, send email or even mail out sales letters.
3. Qualify the Prospect
The qualification stage usually takes place at the appointment itself, although you can also qualify briefly during your initial contact. The idea is to confirm that your prospect is both able and potentially willing to buy your product.
4. Make Your Presentation
The presentation is the core of every sales cycle, and it's probably where you'll invest the most preparation time. Keep in mind that you're not just selling your product you are also selling yourself! You represent your company, so appearance counts.
5. Address the Prospect's Objections
Here's where you get to deal with your prospect's concerns.
6. Close the Sale
Once you've made your presentation and answered your prospect's questions and objections, it's time to ask for the sale. This is the second-most neglected stage of the sales cycle which is especially sad given that it's probably the most critical one.
7. Ask for Referrals
This is hands down the most commonly neglected step. Too many salespeople are so relieved to get a sale that they grab their things and race out the door the second they get the chance, for fear the prospect will change their mind