Imagine this: You are just getting home from work, and your 5 year old is chatting nonstop about every little detail in her day in kindergarten. You just remembered the chicken is not thawed for dinner, though you asked your husband to do this morning. Your son is asking where his soccer jersey is at the same time that you spot it at the top of the dirty laundry pile. The dog is whining for attention, the phone is ringing, and you are wondering how you haven’t pulled all of your hair out yet. Then the doorbell rings, and the first thing you see when you open the door is a toothy grin that shows way too much gum. You wonder why this person is so excited on such an awful day. And why is he standing so close? And why is he talking so fast and loud?
The man is a salesman. We probably would not know that immediately when we were to open the door. When that door opens, we automatically begin to assess the situation. We want to know who they are and what they want. My advice to the salesman? Act like you don’t care if they buy what you’re selling as much as must as you probably do. I’m not saying don’t believe in your product (that is for another post), but there is a way to be knowledgeable and also carefree and relaxed. You, as a salesman, have no idea what the person on the other side is going through. They could have just gotten the worst news of their lives, or they could have gotten a promotion, but what no one wants is an over enthusiastic person who just interrupted their day to ask them to spend money on them.
Here are three ways to not care so much:
- Talk lower and slower. We want for Mrs. Jones to hear what we are saying, and even if we think we sound weird, I promise, you are speaking at normal pace to her. If you think you’re talking too slow, you’re doing it right.
- Try saying, “If you’re into this, great. If not, it’s no big deal. I’m just showing this to everyone in the neighborhood” You don’t have to try to sell your product. You don’t even need to sell yourself. You’re just showing them something cool.
- Be one with the neighborhood. Know Mrs. Jones’ neighbors! Mention them soon, too. “I was just talking with Mrs. Smith next door *point at the house* and I thought I’d come by to show you this, as well” You can mention what she purchased later, but now Mrs. Jones knows that if Mrs. Smith chatted with you, you must be a stellar guy.
These are just a few of the ways that we, as salespeople, can sell our products without being too overbearing or desperate. To find more tips on how to sell products door to door, I found this article on Buzzle very informative.
Dymond Sam 