Carole Mahoney, Founder of Unbound Growth and author of Buyer First, talks about shifting sales focus to buyer needs, avoiding outcome fixation, and fostering collaborative selling. She emphasizes the importance of changing perceptions of sales and using buyer-focused language. The podcast also discusses identifying roadblocks in sales and the connection between sales and problem-solving.
Shifting the focus from self-centered sales tactics to addressing buyer needs and creating a positive customer experience is crucial in overcoming the negative perception of sales.
Applying psychology and neuroscience in sales by understanding buyers' beliefs, using open-ended questions, and personalized messaging can enhance rapport, trust, and decision-making.
Deep dives
Importance of small wins in sales
The podcast episode highlights the significance of small wins in sales rather than solely focusing on big numbers. Small incremental wins, referred to as leading KPIs, build confidence and motivate salespeople to make more changes. Leaders are encouraged to identify and measure small changes that show quick wins to salespeople, thereby incentivizing them to implement further changes.
Changing perceptions of sales
The episode discusses how sales is often perceived as pushy, slimy, and sleazy. This negative perception comes from past experiences with salespeople using aggressive tactics. To change this perception, the focus should shift from being self-centered to customer-centered. By understanding and addressing the needs of buyers and creating an experience that fosters confidence and comfort in making decisions, sales can be seen as a noble profession that connects problems and solutions.
Using psychology and neuroscience in sales
The podcast delves into the application of psychology and neuroscience in sales. By understanding buyers' beliefs, mindsets, and cognitive processes, salespeople can adapt their approach to establish rapport, trust, and foster decision-making. This involves asking open-ended collaborative questions that lead to a change in the buyer's thinking and building trust. Additionally, incorporating personalized messaging based on buyer research enhances the effectiveness of sales interactions.
Balancing data and the human element in sales
The episode addresses the importance of balancing data-driven results with the human element in sales. While data collection and analysis are crucial, sales leaders should also consider the emotional impact of outcome fixation. By focusing on small, measurable changes that lead to quick wins and aligning sales goals with the personally meaningful goals of salespeople, motivation, collaboration, and performance can be enhanced.
Making choices that are in the best interest of the buyer rather than the vendor is what a successful sales approach is all about.
That’s how Carole Mahoney, Founder of @Unbound Growth and author of the book Buyer First, has become a ringleader in sales growth. Spending time getting to know a buyer's preferred method of communication, asking insightful questions, and actively listening can go a long way toward establishing rapport and closing sales.
Listen here to learn how doing your homework and taking the time to invest in business relationships really matters.