One Small Word

August 23, 2009|Mary Jane Copps
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man speaking on phone

When I started my first company, at the tender and overly self-confident age of 28, one small word got in the way of my increasing revenue consistently. That word was “just”.

I used it in my telephone conversations, like most people do, to be polite, to imply I would take only a minute of someone’s time. For example: “Hi Jane Smith, it’s Mary Jane Copps calling from The Phone Lady and I’m just calling to … .”

But politeness is not what’s heard on the other end. What’s heard is: “Hi Jane Smith, it’s Mary Jane Copps calling from The Phone Lady and I’m calling you to tell you something completely unimportant.”

Using the word ‘just’ destroys the opportunity for dialogue and sets you up as an unwelcome intrusion in someone’s busy day. Eliminate it from your vocabulary.

#InspireConversation

Closing a sale is the natural outcome of inspiring great conversations and listening intently to our potential customers. This natural approach still involves a process – a plan that moves potential customers through a journey of discovery with you. So ... what's your process? And am I the right sales coach for you? Let's find out.

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