7 Ways to Improve Your Sales Presentation

7 Ways to Improve Your Sales Presentation

Sometimes success can give way to complacency, a lackluster meeting, stagnated sales and ultimately, disgruntled employees.

With these tips from sales and marketing experts, you’ll see your presentations become more compelling and your sales potentially up-ticking.

1. Adjust and Adopt

Sometimes, an industry that you are in or are trying to break into has changed so much that you need to adjust your approach.

2. Think Like a Client

Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s hot in your industry, especially how and why your clients buy. It’s your job to figure out what the client wants by understanding why they are interested in your products or services and how they plan to use them. Make sure each presentation is customized to every client.

3. Get Some Culture

Especially if you are unfamiliar with the company, read their entire website and outside articles about them to immerse yourself in their culture. Talk to them about their products, services and their business. Show interest by asking about their company, they will appreciate the genuine concern.

4. Be Human

Be human and approachable, but always professional. Be enthusiastic. Sales are about making long-lasting relationships which build over time.

5. Get Creative

There is more to just selling product, sell ideas and solutions. This is why it’s vital to understand what ideas the client wants to convey and why. You may need to help the clients develop their ideas and then bond the client’s message to the products or services you are presenting. Enhance the offering to the client by including value-added product(s) and/or service(s) for increased orders or placing orders whining certain time-frames.

6. Shut Up and Listen

Be careful that you don’t talk too much in your presentation. Gear your conversation towards what the client wants to hear not what you want to say. Allow the customer to express themselves; this will give a read on their thoughts and direction. Remember to ask open-ended questions. Much can be learned when a customer has the opportunity to elaborate.

7. Rehearse Your Lines

Rehearsing is standard operating procedure. The clearer and more concise your message is, the easier it will be for the client to absorb. Time is a precious commodity and people will appreciate the efficiency in which you take to present yourself. Remember that enthusiasm generates excitement and speaking monotone dilutes the message and dulls the clients’ interest. If you’re not enthusiastic, you shouldn’t be selling.

Tips for Better Meetings

· Adapt to societal changes, like adding new technology to your presentation.

· Keep track of what products are selling well and which types of clients are buying them.

· Become immersed in your client’s company culture by reading outside articles and reviewing their own web site.

· Rehearse your pitch repeatedly and let colleagues critique it.

· Make a list of things you’ll need to take with you for the presentation.

· If presenting with a laptop, bring a back-up of your presentation on CD or thumb drive in case your laptop fails.

· Ask plenty of questions about the venue so you know what to expect as far as equipment and props.

· Get to the site early so that you can set up and then take a little time to relax and rehearse.

· Most importantly, show excitement about your products and services.

Portions of this information was provided by Advantages Magazine.

John Gallagher-promotional products and ideas