The Sales Training Series: Asking The Best Questions

Effective questioning is a critical selling skill forbuy you, the salesperson. Questions build rapport
several reasons. First, our recent research showsand demonstrate your interest in the customer.
that there is a direct correlation between theThey uncover information about the customer's
success of a sales call and the type of questionsneeds, who to call on, the decision-making time
that the salesperson uses. On average, failed salesframe, your competition and how the customer
calls include 86% more close-ended questions thanwill make a decision. When you ask the "best"
open-ended questions. Effective questioning is aquestions, customers will view you as a consultant
critical selling skill for several reasons. First, ourwith their best interests in mind.
recent research shows that there is a directThird, questions help you manage the sales call.
correlation between the success of a sales callYou can control the conversation and differentiate
and the type of questions that the salespersonyourself from competitors by being the best
uses. On average, failed sales calls include 86%listener.
more close-ended questions than open-endedBut merely asking questions isn't enough. You
questions.need to ask "The Best Questions." For example,
Successful Sales Calls Have 25% Moreasking questions that draw out needs for your
Open-Ended Questions.product's strengths can position you as the best
Second, your questions help customers makeor only solution for the customer's needs.
their first key buying decision, which is whether to