How to Talk with Customers Face-to-Face

Have you ever really thought about how to talk with customers face-to-face? I think many of us, myself included, take it for granted. However, how we say words, our intonation, inflection, body language, and facial expressions may mean more than the words we say.

How to Talk with Customers Face-to-FaceSmile

It’s hard not to be cheerful when you smile; try it. Isn’t that how you want to greet customers?

Make eye contact

People don’t trust people who don’t make eye contact. It sends a signal that something is wrong, and that doesn’t seem like a good message to share with a customer, does it?

Use lowered inflection

Lowered inflection is what we use when we’re confident. Our voices begin on a higher note and descend. The opposite, rising inflection, is when your voice begins low, and the notes rise as you speak. Rising inflection can put people off because it denotes a lack of confidence or questioning.

Remember names

People like to hear their names. It feels personal, and it builds trust. If you want to remember a prospect’s name, repeat it as soon as you can, for example, “Nice to meet you, Bill.” Or “What do you think, Jennifer?”

Be precise

Don’t ramble. Get to the point. Don’t tell people how the clock was built when they ask what time it is.

Speak clearly

Never talk while chewing gum, eating a sandwich, or drinking a cola, and try not to mumble.

Avoid slang

Speak professionally, be a businessperson, don’t say ain’t. Don’t use text talk.

Never be inappropriate

That includes humor. I was walking at a trade show with a friend when a young man in a booth hollered, “Hi, Beautiful!” to my friend. She said rather curtly, my name is Becky,” and walked away.

Never be rude

Don’t be short with people or dismissive; never react angrily.

Don’t be snarky

Talking with a customer isn’t the time to use snarkiness, even if you’re trying to be funny.

Don’t let negative emotions show in your voice

If you’re upset or angry, don’t let it show in your voice. Take a deep breath and keep a smile on your face and an even-toned voice.

Set the Tone

By sharing a friendly smile, repeating a prospect’s name, and speaking in confident tones, you can win the ear and the trust of prospects. And isn’t that the goal?

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how not to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you like this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do. 

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

 

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