The third Guiding Principle in our Virtual Sales Manager program is The Art of Listening. We all know listening is a skill that requires patience. Many people can become somewhat successful at their jobs without being great listeners but the only way to truly excellent performance in sales is through listening. And,...
The third Guiding Principle in our Virtual Sales Manager program is The Art of Listening. We all know listening is a skill that requires patience. Many people can become somewhat successful at their jobs without being great listeners but the only way to truly excellent performance in sales is through listening. And, everyone who is in contact with a prospective customer is in sales.
If you are not vigilant about monitoring the amount of listening that is going on, this skill will erode in even the best-trained practices. When I monitor phone calls, I hear all kinds of creative ways not to listen. The Expert knows the question before the prospective patient asks it. The Overwhelmed is too busy to listen in full and just wants the prospective patient to book a consult so they can talk to someone else. The Uninterested… they are just there to answer the phone; they can’t really help so there is no use in listening. And, there are more. By focusing on listening skills and keeping that focus on a regular and at least weekly basis, you can sharpen your entire organization‘s performance.
So, why is this important? Remember the first two Guiding Principles: 1)Be Genuine and Authentic and 2) Build Value. You cannot be genuinely concerned if you are not engaged in the conversation and people who are engaged listen and respond to what they are hearing from the other person. And, you cannot build value if you are not listening to what the other person understands or does not understand as having value. Listening is how you hold up your end of the relationship when you are building trust. It is the first thing to go, too, when you are not keeping the sword sharp.
The Virtual Sales Manager keeps you on point when it comes to listening. All 5 Guiding Principles are connected and they are connected through The Art of Listening. Are you listening to your staff? Are they listening to prospects? What is not being asked if your answer is no?
If you are ready to make sure you keep the focus on listening with The Virtual Sales Manager, please email me at donald@dogstarmedia.com.
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