Michael Dalton Johnson

Simply changing or adding a few words to a statement can make it more compelling and turn more prospects into buyers.

Studies show that sales and marketing pitches filled with jargon and corporate speak come across as rude, misleading or obnoxious. Discover the art of plain speaking!

You can't sell if you are hiding from your buyers! It's easy to do in this hi-tech world but ultimately hurts sales.

Everybody likes to buy, because buying is fun. If you don't believe this, try to find a parking space at a shopping mall, or a seat at an auction, this weekend. However, while buying is fun and exciting, nobody likes to be sold. The truth is: the best salespeople don't "sell" their customers; they help them buy.

Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a jungle out there!" must have been a sales rep. Why? Because some days you'll encounter more difficult customers than there are animals in the jungle. When hacking your way through the dense underbrush to get to the sale, the trick is to stay cool, calm and in control. See if you recognize here some of the creatures you must deal with from time to time. Then follow my simple instructions for a successful sales safari.

Times are changing and so should your pitch. Use these ideas to revitalize your pitch and start closing more sales.

Seven of the best tips for making more sales. Keep them handy and review them often.