The Ten Commandments of Selling

Every profession has its blueprint for success.your presentation is to allow you the opportunity
Developed by those who have succeeded andto LISTEN to your prospect as you probe for
put to print somewhere for those who comeinformation. This is where you will pick up the
after them. Very few people will graduate collegebuying signals. You can't afford to miss anything.
with the intent on becoming a ProfessionalIf you take notes as you listen, you won't.
Salesperson. But somewhere along the way they7. Close and Ask for the Order
accept a position where they are selling for theirObviously you need to learn closing techniques.
living and "Lo and Behold", for whatever reason, itBut if nothing else, ask for the order. I don't care
becomes their life's occupation. For those people Iif you totally blank out on your presentation, have
have compiled my "Ten Commandments Ofa mental block and forget the whole thing. Ask
Selling." They are a creation of many of what Ifor the order. Never, ever, leave a selling situation,
call "Old Pro's" or "Masters" of selling. I promisewhether it is a face-to-face encounter or a
they will be your blueprint to success.telephone call, without at least asking for the
1. Knowledgeorder one time.
The acquisition and accumulation of knowledge is8. Post Sell
critical to success in any profession. In sales it isAfter the sale, always leave your customer with
immeasurable. You need to acquire knowledge ina good feeling that they will always remember.
your products, your company and yourYou must reassure them that they just did a
competition. You need to learn about salesvery wise thing. Using the recognition, of a third
techniques, and the psychology of selling. Learnparty technique, will reassure them that they did
about influencing people and the lives of yourthe wise and correct thing. It will give them the
prospects you encounter. As a Sales Professionalconfidence to feel good about their decision. A
you are on a never ending quest for knowledgehandwritten thank you note or an email will solidify
as it applies to your craft.that feeling.
2. IntegrityA person may not remember what you did for
Always be honest with your customer and makethem, they may not remember what you told
sure that you do what you say you will do. Howthem, but they will always remember how you
successful you are will depend on how good yourmade them feel.
word is. The customer must always win. The9. Referrals
Universal Law says what you put out you getAfter the sale you always ask for referrals or for
back tenfold. That includes effort and integrity.a letter of reference. You can build a good solid
Believe it, live it and you will be successful.book of business with referrals and letters of
3. Appearancereference. Even the bare minimum of leaving
Always be properly dressed. It tells a prospectbusiness cards can bear fruit. It never hurts to
what you think of yourself and of the people youASK for referrals or letters of reference.
deal with. It is your image, how you look will10. The Customer's Name
dictate how you feel and that will dictate how youLearn it and use it often. This probably should be
perform.Commandment number one. There was a study
4. Presentation and Preparationdone at Yale University many years ago and of
You must have a presentation that is "yours."the twenty-five most important words one should
You must be prepared with the knowledge anduse when selling the number one word was "The
materials needed for the sale. By understandingCustomer's name." I cannot stress the importance
and utilizing the profiling system you canof finding out the names of everyone who will be
determine the needs and wants of your prospect.involved in or affected by the sale. That means
Preparing yourself mentally, will make you achildren too. If someone has eight children learn
winner. This is even more important when "YOU"their names and ages. That is why you take
are the product.notes. If it is a board of directors learn their
5. Enthusiasm and Energynames, ages, titles and their departmental
Enthusiasm sells. Case closed. Make sure you giveresponsibilities. You also need to know how to
your presentation in an enthusiastic manner.pronounce the name or names correctly. If you
Enthusiasm is contagious. People pick up on thedon't know how you ask and keep at it until you
energy you project and become a part of it.can. It is critical and I promise, that one feat will
They want to be around enthusiastic andmake you more sales than you can ever imagine.
energetic people. So be one and be successful. IfBy doing so, you will inspire those who can't and
necessary, take a few minutes to meditate andimpress those who can.
get your head right and always project a positive"The sweetest sound a person hears is the sound
attitude.of their own name." Dale Carnegie
Remember; the outcome of a sale is a directIf you believe in yourself, believe in what you are
correlation to the expectations of the salesperson.doing and follow these commandments you will be
6. Listen and Take Notessuccessful.
The purpose of scripting the first 7-10 lines of