Relationship Selling Demands a Proven Sales Process

Relationship selling is just that. Using relationshipsWhat I have discovered is that the following 7
to achieve your goal to increase sales. How yousteps do not leave anything out nor do they
establish, develop and nurture those relationshipscreate unnecessary actions.
must be directly aligned to a proven sales
process.1. Introduction - Get the attention - Marketing Skill
A proven sales process is a systematic way to2. Establish Rapport - Build the relationship -
move your prospects through your marketingMarketing Skill
and sales funnels. Knowing who your qualified3. Discover Wants & Needs - Focus on the
prospects are should be within your strategicprospect - Selling Skill
sales plan within your overall strategic business4. Presenting Consequences & Benefits -
plan. However for a quick review, your qualifiedShowcases your expertise and understanding of
prospects have 4 qualities or characteristics:prospect - Selling Skill
5. Gain Commitment - Make the sale - Selling Skill
1. Need for your products or services6. Deliver the Product or Service - Confirm sale is
2. Budget to buy your products or servicescompleted - Selling Skill
3. Authority as the decision maker to make the7. Follow-Up - Confirm customer is happy camper
purchaseallowing you to ask for referral - Marketing Skill
4. Sense of urgency to take actionWhen you have a proven sales process, your
Note: A prospect has the first 3 while a qualifiedbehaviors will follow that process. You will not
prospect has all 4.jump into selling behaviors when you should still be
The sales process is a combination of alldemonstrating marketing behaviors and the
marketing skills and selling skills necessary to takerespective skills associated with those behaviors.
your qualified prospect from that initial introductionRemember, relationship selling is all about
to that final follow so that you can ask for aconnecting with your prospects and truly
referral. There are many sales processes out indemonstrating that the relationship is important
the market place with a plethora of acronyms.through all of your behaviors.