Just as many around the world were feeling the impacts of impending shutdowns, my business was rocked with a major shift. Within the first weeks of the pandemic, a year’s worth of live keynote speeches and seminars were suddenly canceled. Like an earthquake, the reality of a rapidly changing market had shaken the business I’d nurtured for over 30 years to its core.
One of the most important jobs of a salesperson is to manage the emotional state of the client. If the prospect seems scared, tell a story or ask a question that will help them relive a positive memory. If your prospect is bored, speed things up simplify, or use phrases that better align with their values and concerns. Be respectful, yet assertive. Think less about what you want to say and more about how you want the prospect to feel.