Want the Sale? Ask for It!

Have you ever wondered why sales professionals spend countless hours growing client relationships throughout a sales cycle but fail to close the sale?

It is because they fail to ask for the business.

As a sales professional, you have more influence in customer decisions than you think. If you have earned a consistent seat at the table, it means they trust you and what you have to say. The influence you’ve earned can push a customer to decide. But, if you fail to ask for the business, all that time and energy is left to chance.

Five ways you can leverage your influence to close the sale.

Ask for their business.

The easiest part of the sales cycle should be closing the sale, but many are too scared to ask for the customer’s business. When they trust you and value your advice, you can influence their acting decision. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Your solution is the best.

Customers can sense when you lack conviction and confidence. If you lack faith in your proposed solution, the customer won’t trust you. You must be so in love with what you do and what you’re selling that you feel guilty not asking the customer for their business.

Don’t dance around.

Don't dance around the topic when you ask for a customer’s business. When your client relationship is built on trust and credibility, the customer values what you say. Lay it out, then stop talking long enough for them to respond.

 Build momentum with each interaction.

Every interaction requires you always to be close. Never leave a conversation without an agreement on what comes next. This will generate consistent momentum that leads to ultimately closing the deal.

Don’t be afraid of “No.”

Are you so afraid of the word “no" that you refuse to ask for the "yes?" If so, go back through your sales cycle and identify possible gaps. You shouldn't be afraid to ask if you have consistently built credibility and influence with the prospect.

It’s not the job of the customer to close themselves. That is your responsibility. You’ll never know if you have earned their business if you fail to ask for the sale. Make the ask today!