How Sales Relationships Are Like First Dates

Have you ever gotten butterflies while getting ready for your first date? That's the same feeling I get when I start a new venture and get my first sale!

Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash

As a business consultant, I am asked often how to build a relationship with potential customers because trust is important in any relationship but especially in business/sales relationships. People work hard for their money and smart consumers use their shopping dollars to let their voice be heard by buying from reputable businesses that they trust.

If you don’t have an established business and/or are moving into a new niche, you have to set your intended voice from the beginning for your business and stick with it in order to establish your brand.

Gaining Trust

Think about how you gain trust in any relationship and then fast forward the process. Sales relationships generally move very fast and you get one chance to make a first impression.

Picture how you felt the last time you went on a first date.

Were you nervous? Did you question what you were wearing or how you laughed?

Now, consider a sales relationship from a similar viewpoint.

When your first customer reaches out to you, are you nervous? Do you question your branding or logo or the layout of your website?

Take a Breath

Look in the mirror and take a deep breath.

Photo by Ali Marel on Unsplash

There are plenty of fish in the sea, right?

If this customer doesn’t like you, there are more out there… many more.

Stay confident in yourself and in your brand. Convey to your customers the value of your product or service. And NEVER bash your competition.

Bashing your competition makes people uncomfortable, much like talking about an ex on your first date! Big no no, right?

It’s fine to compare yourself to your competition but do it in a classy manner. Make an unbiased comparison while showcasing the true value of your product. Let your product or service stand out and do the talking for you.

Showcase the personality of your product or service, much like you would allow your own personality to do the talking for you on a date with someone new.

Have you ever been around someone new that seems to shine from within or radiate joy? You naturally want to be around someone like that, right?

Find ways to make your business give your potential customers that warm, fuzzy feeling that reminds you of good, positive feelings.

If you can give your customers a good experience when they interact with or purchase from you they will more than likely buy from you, come back again to make a purchase, and/or recommend you to the people in their lives.

Word of mouth advertising is the very best form of advertising (if its positive reviews) and its free!

What has a company done that helped to earn your trust? If you own a business, how have you stood out from the crowd?

Thanks for reading!

Ivy