What makes for an effective selling technique?

You've got to be success minded. You've got to feel that things are coming your way when you're out selling; otherwise, you won't be able to sell anything. In today's market, where there is a substantial amount of competition all around, companies are giving their level best to attract customers and make business. The only product that prevails is of the company which adopts effective sales techniques through its sales and marketing team. Be it through phone selling or door to door selling, you necessarily need to have a positive approach towards your target. Good Sales TechniquesIf you are currently doing a marketing job, you would certainly have realized the importance of sales techniques. It is well said that you can sell anything, if you have the right approach to make the consumer agree to what you say and offer. Good techniques are only to be developed by complete sales training, experience, logical and prompt thinking, and decision-making abilities. However, getting to know the basics of sales is also as important as practicing it in person. Phone SalesThe first thing that you need to pay attention to is your level of confidence in your tone. If the customer feels that your confidence is low, he will not be interested in listening to you. Know what you have to say at first, but do not let the customer feel that you are just saying a sales script. Remember that every customer is different, so be prepared for dealing with their response and tone. When you start the conversation, smiling a bit will have a good effect on your tone.Before proceeding further with the conversation, ask if it is fine to talk. You can even request for an appointment at some other time. Do not talk much about yourself, and also do not criticize your competitor's products. Do not be in a hurry for ending the call, and do not force the customer to agree to your statements.Door to Door SalesConsider the primary requirements first which consist of a good posture, a cheerful smile, clean and ironed clothes, and a confident voice. Do not wear caps, hats, sunglasses, or other accessories; which will look unprofessional. It is suggested to wear a badge that has the company name and your identity on it. Be confident and always keep eye contact with the potential customer. Before ringing the door bell, do not try to peep in the house through the window.After the door is opened to you, stand at a distance, but not too far. While speaking to the customer, do not try to speak too much and do speak up to the point. Before convincing him with your strategy; realize what the customer has, what more does he require, and what will be good for him. Obtain extensive knowledge of your product and be prepared for cross questions from the customers. Stress more on the benefits of the product and the subsequent customer service instead of the product itself.Be it for selling products, services, insurance; sales techniques really play a very important role in making a successful sale. Remember that in every sales technique, confidence and communication is the key to get the job done successfully. 

The common notion about Selling is the association of a human factor in "personally" interacting with a prospect buyer to sell a companies product or service. Hence, the traditional "Sales" techniques starts from a company's product or service down to reaching out to the buyer to convince to make the "purchase" decision.

However, applying the "Top" Marketing approach, helps to a great extent to facilitate the Sales process. the Marketing approach goes in a very systematic series of steps that, when adopted by a company achieves a much greater outcome. This involves:

1. Market research to identify customers' needs;

2. Product/Service design to encompass the customers' needs uncovered in a market research;

3. Below the Line (BTL) marketing/selling techniques including personal sales techniques (flyers, brochoures and interpersonal interaction with buyers (cold calling, and warm leads/referrals);

4. Above The Line (ATL): to reach mass public awareness using the various media tools (news papers, radio, TV, Conferences, etc.)