Jeffrey Gitomer posted several phrases he believes we should never use during the sales process. However, they can apply to any type of business interaction.
These phrases are so common, we don’t even give them a second thought. But, upon closer inspection, Gitomer has a good point.
Check out his advice:
Words and phrases to avoid
Frankly… a word that sounds insincere. All sales courses recommend dropping this word from your vocabulary.
Quite frankly… a double dose of the dreaded frankly. It makes me very suspect of the person who says it.
Honestly… a word that is almost always followed with a lie.
And I mean that… No you don’t. This is probably as insincere a phrase as has been turned in the English language.
Are you prepared to order today?… Give me a break. This is an offensive, stupid, turn–off, phrase. There are one hundred better ways to ask a prospect what his feelings are, or when he wants to order.
How are you doing today?… When you hear this on the phone, you immediately think “What are you selling, jerk?”
Can I help you with something?… The universal anthem of all retail sales clerks. You’d think after 100 years of retail, they might have something more creative and customer service oriented to say.
“The challenge is for you to rededicate yourself to helping or satisfying the needs of the customer or prospect,” he says. “Your words and actions are often the difference between getting a yes or no. How do you do it? You have to work at it. Practice. But have faith, the results are certain to make you smile.”
What do you think? When you hear these phrases, do you wince?
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Jeffrey Gitomer is a sales guru and author of many The New York Times best sellers. Sign up for his free ezine and learn more at Gitomer.com
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