How to Beat Your Competition

Updated: April 08, 2011

Let's look at a few facts and then put together a sales strategy. To start with, if a prospect hasn't bought anything yet, it means they haven't found exactly what they're looking for, right?

And, as always, only your prospect knows what the magic "it" is (their true buying motive), and so it's up to you to ask the right questions to figure out what it's going to take to close each particular prospect. I'd start with these:

1. If your prospect is telling you they can get it cheaper somewhere else, ask:

"Why haven't you gone ahead and placed your order there yet?"

Or,

"Yes, that is a good price, just curious, what's preventing you from going with them on this?"

Or,

"What were you hoping to gain by talking with me (or with my company)?"

All these questions will force your prospect to tell you what their real buying motive is and will give you a chance to earn their business.

2. If your prospect says they have been doing business with X, or that XYZ offers more service, or better add-ons, etc., say:

"Yes, I've heard about their offer - what's missing about it that still has you looking around?"

Or,

"Yes I know, in fact many of their customers call me as well. What motivated you to call me?"

And,

"Yes _________ I know all about the other companies and their promotions. Just out of curiosity, why haven't you made a decision on this yet?"