Whether you see the cup as half full or half empty, you know attitude is everything when it comes to closing a sale. Optimistic people create upbeat marketing messages and positive outcomes. They filter negative statements out of their vocabulary and often turn setbacks into winning situations. Pessimists often play into negative situations, fueling the fire with doubt, anger and bad attitude. If your disposition is mostly sunny, you probably know success in your personal and professional life. However, if you’re naturally a Debby Downer, make some simple changes to improve your success, at least when closing a sale.
Fake it till you make it: Even if you’re having a lousy sales day, when a client asks, “How’s it going?” respond with a positive, upbeat comment. “Living the dream!” or “Fantastic!” or “Remarkable!” Positive, energetic replies not only elicit a positive response from clients, they make everyone feel better than a less-than-enthusiastic “OK” or “Fine, I guess.”
Don’t complain about things you cannot change or are not willing to change: Fussing about the economy doesn’tclose a sale or encourage a client. Complaining about slow sales doesn’t increase your sales volume. Discouraging comments regarding your company’s bonus structure don’t improve your chances to earn a reward. Negative statements are contagious, and when you use them, most people will soon mimic your sentiment. If you complain to your customers, you pull them down, your words and poor attitude rub off and you lose a sale, a client or prospect. If something at work truly bothers you, suggest solutions to changing it
Exchange negative thoughts for positive ones: This might sound like nonsense, but it does work. When you say “That won’t work,” “dumb idea,” or “impossible,” you encourage your brain to focus on poor results. When faced with a challenge, think about positive ways to overcome it, consider every idea as a potential solution and develop a “can do” attitude. People around you will see you as proactive, able and confident.
Leave personal struggles at the door: Discussing personal problems at the office doesn’t improve your chances of closing a sale, nor does it produce a positive vibe. It’s not that nobody cares about your personal well-being; it’s that at work, nobody gets paid to care about personal issues. People are paid to perform at the top of their abilities. If you’re pulling them down with your private life concerns, your problems won’t only be personal. Your professional life will begin to suffer, too.
Smile when you’re on the phone: Seriously, people you’re talking with can “hear” a smile. Your inflections change, and your positive energy radiates through the phone. Even if you don’t feel like it, put on a smile. It is one of the easiest ways to put someone at ease and improve nearly any situation.
People who show an optimistic attitude, real or not, create more personal and professional success than negative naysayers. They also close more sales! Put a smile on, quit grumbling about things you cannot change and appreciate the small things. Happy Valentine’s Day!
