We all know the economy is constantly changing. And when our customers change how they buy, we better change how we approach selling. Here are six strategies to help you sell value in the new economy – and make the “experience economy” work for you.
Be Rock Star Good
If you want to drive performance and growth, you have to differentiate your services and elevate the perception associated with who you are and what you do. There are a lot of salespeople out there who sell what you sell. How will you stand out? Determine your unique strengths and market them.
What vs. How
Rock star performers understand the difference between what they do and how they do it. It’s the how that elevates the customer experience. Ask yourself, how are you going to sell? How was I helpful today? How did I add value today? How will I be remembered by the people that I worked with?
Be a Challenger
Have the confidence, based on your expertise and insight, to challenge your customers to make decisions you know are in their own best interest. Challengers offer the customer a unique perspective, possess strong two-way communication skills, know an individual customer’s value drivers, are comfortable discussing money in terms of value rather than discounts, and can gently pressure the customer without jeopardizing the relationship. Being a challenger puts you in control of your business and positions you as a trusted adviser.
Price vs. Value
Instead of focusing on being successful, concentrate on how you can help people. Educate consumers as to why there is little or no risk in purchasing from you and foster the relationship so that the client likes you, believes in you and trusts in you. To communicate what sets your company apart, consider your value proposition – the set of reasons why somebody should buy from you and utilize your service. Position value in terms of the customer outcome.
Create Brand Evangelists
Satisfied customers are no longer enough. Your brand and value proposition are developed based on what customers are saying about you. Deliver experiences people won’t forget and you will earn loyalty, which increasingly translates into evangelism. Today, with social media, your customers are more inclined to share their experiences and influence future customers. Your reputation travels quickly through word of mouth and can impact your business in a meaningful way.
Practice Buyology
Delve into the psychology of commitment to your brand. Understand why your customers buy what you sell, and more importantly why they buy from you. And if you do not know the answer, ask your customers. Sit down with your best customers and ask them these simple questions. You will learn about what customers want today and in the future, guiding the growth of your most important customer relationships.
