Assertive Questions to Ask on Sales Appointments

It can be very easy for would-be prospects to get so trapped in everyday living and commitments that they often miss the main issue affecting their business, constantly pushing out important current concerns for the pressing issue of the day.

However, days can quickly slip away to become weeks, or even months. In the mean time, the prospect’s obstacles continue to be unresolved and buried behind tasks at hand, and suppressing future growth.  Whether setting appointments or meeting clients face-to-face, ask assertive questions, highlight your buyers problems, and generate an impression of seriousness that can compel him to pull back and contemplate the big picture.

People can be loath to slip out of the status quo.  Their fear and anxiety of the unknown only adds to their frustration with their troubles. They can be much more reluctant to re-structure if a supplier shows up out of now where, and offers them a quick-fix resolution The instant the dilemma is brought up, prospects will often think that the account rep is more interested in the sale than the person. This is why it helps to interact with consumers sentimentally.

Give your prospect ample time to talk about company obstacles, and just how it has an effect on him. Walk him through his troubles, and ask him to reiterate to envision how that problem is affecting both the company and his role.  While you shouldn’t hurry commitment, paying attention to your buyer enables you raise the proper issues at the proper time. This will help you form a legitimate rapport and guide your customer thoughts onto the proper path.

Questions to Ask on an Appointment

A good starting point is to outline the consequences of inaction.  Ask the prospect to estimate exactly how much they stand to lose by staying with their current provider.

“Exactly how do you plan to increase sales in the coming year”?
“How do you plan to increase spending among your current clientele”?
“How will you address customer churn, and replace defecting customers”?

Salespeople often think that by steering clear of tough questions is a great way to keep prospects content.  Hogwash!  Your buyers simply can't face their challenges if they do not touch upon them. Consequently, by avoidance or denial, they will limit their time to consider their dilemmas and what actions would be wise to implement. to realize.  Your job is to help your prospect see the forest for the trees.  

Assertive questioning will only help you garner more respect from prospects.  Tackling challenges head-on will not only help you sell more, but it will help customers see the bigger picture, and thank you for it.