Success stories are at the heart of effective sales conversations.

Powerful and persuasive sales conversations always include success stories that show how products or services have specifically worked for past customers or clients. Your prospective client might be trained to resist a sales pitch, but no one can resist a good story.

When it comes to using success stories in your sales conversations:

• How do you sell to competing companies within the same industry?
• What happens when you can’t mention a past client by name?
• What’s the best way to share past success stories? Tell them, or use testimonials?

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Never assume that people know what you do and why they need you. A brilliant woman who receives my weekly video and emails asked, “Can you help me with a five-minute presentation?” This is a perfect example of something I always tell my clients, “Never assume that everyone on your mailing list, or everyone you’ve done business with in the past, knows how you can be of service to them.” You also may be wondering, “How can Patricia help me?”

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When you’re asked to talk about yourself and your career history, how do you avoid coming across as dull and self-absorbed?

Some people are very comfortable with talking about themselves – sometimes too comfortable. The uncomfortable feeling you get, when someone drones on about themselves, is why you may find it difficult to talk about yourself without feeling immodest.

I understand. However, from time to time we are all inevitably required to introduce ourselves to new colleagues, coworkers, or team members and share our career history. (more…)

Action verbs make presentations powerful.

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