Written By: Mike Brooks
These questions vary from taking a prospect’s pulse to see if they are with you, to finding out if a benefit you just listed would work for them, all the way to a trial close.
I often receive requests for questioning techniques to use during the qualification stage.
I’m glad to see these requests, because it means people understand the importance of identifying and then spending time with buyers.
Last week, however, I got a request for questions that could be used during the close or presentation stage. That was a good question, and today’s feature article will cover 5 of my favorites.
All of these questions are crucial to ask during the close, and after you read them, I encourage you to put these into your closing scripts and outlines.
They will give you the feedback you’ll need (and don’t get because you’re not in front of your prospect) to close the sale. To get the most benefit from them, begin using them today.
“Are you with me so far?” You can vary this with, “How does that sound?” or, “Do you see what I mean?” and, “Does that make sense?”
Always listen carefully to not only what they say, but to how they say it.
And always allow a few seconds after they respond to give them time to add something else.
Again, LISTEN to what and how they respond…
“Do you have any questions so far?”
This is one of the best questions to ask, and it’s also one of the least used. You’d be amazed by the kinds of questions you’ll get, and each one reveals what your prospect is thinking. You must use this question often!
“Does this seem to be the kind of solution you are looking for?” or, “How is this sounding so far?” or, with a smile in your voice, “Am I getting close to having a new client yet?”
Even though that sounds cheesy, you’d be amazed by how it will often break the ice and get your prospect to lower his/her guard!
“What haven’t I covered yet that is important to you?”
Boy is this a great way to end your presentation! If they tell you they don’t have any questions, then you get to ask for the order! If they do have questions, you answer them and then ask for the order!
The bottom line is that asking questions — and then shutting up and listening — is still one of the most important things you can do either during the qualification stage or during the close.
Use the above questions during your next presentation and watch your closes get stronger and your income get bigger!
Mike Brooks
Mike Brooks is the founder of Mr. Inside Sales, a North Carolina based inside…
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