Sales Storytelling is the hot new trend in sales nowadays. Stories have a profound effect on our brains and our behavior. This goes back to childhood, when the most basic request we made as kids, besides “I’m hungry,” was “Tell me a story,” right? So here are 4 effective sales storytelling techniques that really help you boost your sales.
1. Practice your message.
Writing for the ear (think: television or sales pitch) is very different from writing for the eye (think: newspaper or ads). Adapt your message so your sales pitch doesn’t come across as wooden or generic. You shouldn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to selling your product or service. While continuity is important, your pitch shouldn’t be a verbatim recitation of your sales materials. Simply put, the more you customize your message to the needs and wants of your customers, the higher your chances of closing your sales.
2. Use bullet points.
You never want to be fully scripted. You should not sound rehearsed because it turns people off and they tune out. You ought to create a spontaneous experience with your audience. You won’t get the same response if you memorize everything as if you’re going off-book (not following a script). Speak naturally, try to be relaxed, and maintain eye contact with the people you’re speaking with. In your preparation, the act of writing down what you want to say may help you remember it better. Carry your bullet points with you on an index card so you have something to refer to if you need it. After all, keep it simple and straightforward.
3. Have a solid beginning, middle and end.
The beginning should hook your audience, while the end, the call to action, must be clear. It has been suggested that each story performed on its stage have stakes such as: What is there to gain or lose? Why should the audience care? You have to drive your customer’s attention early on to have them hooked to what you are saying. A customer always ask themselves: What is it for me to keep listening? So provide them value at the beginning. Then, discuss with them why your offering is worth listening to and be considered in the middle of your story. And at the end, simplify their decision and conclude with value-added solution that they are willing to take.
4. Make the story personal.
It is recommended to get prospects to connect on a human level with whatever product or service you’re selling. A personal anecdote sells a little better. Again, the more personal your story is to your customer, the higher the chance it sticks to their minds and hearts, and, thus, the higher the chance you achieve your objectives of your story. Never underestimate this issue because each one of use would love to hear something that is of personal value. In fact, we ought to make actions that will result in personal gain, right?
You might have heard of the Elevator Pitch: Explain your business in 30 seconds or less, the time it takes to get from the lobby to whichever floor your prospect is going. But what if your pitch is, shall we say, a little dull? This makes things worse. We do not have the time of our lives explaining to our customers. Therefore, you must make your sales storytelling effective, strong, and worthwhile. This will ensure you achieve your objectives, close successfully, and increase your sales. Try the above 4 sales storytelling techniques and you won’t regret that.
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