Managing Longer Sales Cycles in Tougher Times
These days, sales are taking longer than usual. With inflation, higher interest rates, and shrinking budgets, buyers are more careful, focusing only on must-haves. Sales professionals are noticing the effects — more delays, more objections, and fewer big-ticket purchases. The challenge isn’t just the extra time it takes to close a deal but also the fact that deal sizes are shrinking as companies cut spending wherever they can.
Unlocking the Power of Open-Ended Questions
Too many times we see sales people solely ask closed-ended questions. Questions that provide the prospect or customer an easy-way out by simply answering “yes” or ”no”.
Instead, one of the most powerful tools in a salesperson's arsenal is the open-ended question. When meeting with prospects or customers, using open-ended questions can make a significant difference in the outcome of the conversation and, ultimately, the success of the sale.