Jill Konrath

 

Fresh Perspectives: The Latest From Jill


Get Fresh Sales Strategies

Your email:

Get More Free Sales Resources

Current Articles | RSS Feed RSS Feed

[Video] Ask prospects these questions to pique their curiosity

  
  
  

Why is it important to pique your prospect's curiosity? The answer is simple. It creates an opening for you to establish a relationship at the same time it positions you as an invaluable resource.

So how do you do it? Here are a couple ways:

  • You can make a statement about the results other companies have realized from working with you. For example, I might say this to the VP of Sales: "One of my recent clients was able to set up meetings with 87% of its targeted national accounts within 2 months." I can assure you that the VP is immediately thinking, "How did she do that? I need to learn more."
  • You can ask questions that actually get people thinking. For example, when I'm talking to the VP of Sales, I might ask: "What percent of your sales force is prepared to sell effectively in today's volatile economy?" Or, "Have you ever considered that your salespeople's inability to close orders might be a symptom of a much deeper problem?"

These kinds of questions are high value to your prospects. They expand their perspective of their issues and challenges. They stimulate new options and fresh ways of thinking.

So from now on, I want you to think about leveraging your successes, knowledge & expertise to get your prospect to say, "Mmmm. That's interesting. I need to learn more." sales meeting follow up

YOUR TURN: What questions do you ask that get your prospects' attention?  Share with us!


eBook: LinkedIn Sales Secrets Revealed


Jill KonrathJill Konrath is an internationally recognized sales strategist. As author of two bestselling books, SNAP Selling and Selling to Big Companies, she's a frequent speaker at sales meetings and conferences. For more fresh ideas, download her free Prospecting Toolkit.


Comments

Since working in online marketing and lead generation, I ask my prospects "Do you want more traffic to your website or do you want more sales?" 
 
They're usually stomped with the question, and ask me doesn't one result in the other.  
 
That's when I dispel the myth of more traffic more leads, and help them realize that quality traffic will convert better than quantity traffic, which is unqualified waste of their resources. 
 
Thanks Jill.
Posted @ Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:04 AM by Viktor Nagornyy
While on its face, this seems like sound advice, it can lead to a highly confrontational exchange, especially when the prospect says they are not interested. It seems today, alot of buyers are in a fear mode and are afraid of doing anything,so anything that "challanges" them is going to anger them. These types of questions may in fact anger them.
Posted @ Thursday, May 10, 2012 9:48 AM by David
Jill, one of the things I love about the way that you present your information is that you not only provide a video but you also include the scripted text. This is great because I don't always hear all of the detail and this way I can go back and read what I have just heard. Great job and great information. 
 
 
 
Chuck Carey
Posted @ Thursday, May 10, 2012 10:06 AM by Chuck Carey
I absolutely love this question: "Have you ever considered that your salespeople's inability to close orders might be a symptom of a much deeper problem?"  
 
To David's point, I think you need to have some level of trust before asking it.
Posted @ Thursday, May 10, 2012 12:19 PM by Barrett Rossie
The key is to get the wheels turning through good questions. Make your prospect think and you have engagement; you have a meeting. That requires these kinds of questions.  
 
Simply keep in mind a spirit of helping, not selling, when asking them. This results in a different perception (tone, intent, delivery). As I coach my teams: Everyone likes to be helped, no one likes to be sold. Go help someone. 
 
Nice post Jill, and good comment dialogue.
Posted @ Friday, May 11, 2012 7:36 AM by Greg Collins
@David, The questions that Jill poses could only be considered a threat depending upon how they are asked, meaning body language and voice tonality etc. If communicated with empathy and showing genuine interest in wanting to help the listener, these questions are very valid to bring up important areas to dig deeper. 
 
Jill, as always, I "love" your videos and accompanying texts. They are both interesting and important topics for all us to consider, and give much inspiration. Thank you!
Posted @ Saturday, May 12, 2012 8:13 AM by Jannie Walker Larsson
Post Comment
Name
 *
Email
 *
Website (optional)
Comment
 *

Allowed tags: <a> link, <b> bold, <i> italics