Closing Sales - Probe With Open-Ended Questions

Welcome to our 7th article on Becoming anprospect to speak at length to answer your
All-Star Sales Person. Today, we will discussquestion. The best time to use open ended
probing and as J. Douglas Edwards once said,questions is when you want to get longer in-depth
"Questions are the Answer."answers or to learn what's important to your
There are four different ways to probe or askprospect, what's a priority or to better
questions-1) open-ended, 2) close-ended, 3) theunderstand his areas of interest.
phrase, "I'm wondering," and 4) question markRemember to respond, don't just ask one
questions.question after another. That's like giving someone
Today we'll focus on open-ended questions. Usethe third degree. Give a nurturing response like,
open ended questions when you want to get an"That's interesting. Tell me more."
unlimited response. An example is, "What do youWhat you've just done, you've learned how and
think of our new healthcare laws?" Now, this iswhen to ask open ended questions to gain a
just an example. I never recommend usingmore in-depth understanding of your prospect's
politically oriented questions.wants and needs. This is going to help you later
Here are some more examples of open endedwhen it's time to make your presentation.
questions. What's important about that to you?Use this principle professionally or personally and
What makes that a priority? You're allowing youryou'll get along better with everyone in your life.