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Attract the Right Job or Clientele:
Do You Realize The Similarities Between Improv and Effective Selling?
What might happen if trainers were to recognize the similarities between Improv and effective selling? Seeking new jobs was an annual event for me. Upon being hired, the formal training followed. I would cringe at the thought of needing to attend another class. The instruction was the embodiment of ‘Boring.’
My Story
Improvisation has always captured my admiration. The actors are able to instantly answer questions. A touch of humor has the audience enjoying the show. We hear loud applause when the actors on stage finish the show.
The parallel is, salespeople need to be laser sharp when meeting with clients. Flexibility for effective selling is a requirement. Imagine how well Improv training will translate for people attempting to effectively sell.
Issues With Traditional Training
Traditional sales training is usually the opposite of Improv. The typical instruction is mind-numbing. Team conversations at lunch almost always indicate complete dissatisfaction by all.
Most training is solely about the employer
The instructor continually emphasizes the superior nature of what the representatives are to sell. Few take the time to research other brands, and ways of doing business. Comparisons between vendors are never mentioned. Instead, the research is left up to the salesperson. Sadly, not everyone is motivated to do their homework. Most attempts to sell are ineffective.
A script is handed out to the new hires.
The instruction suggests memorizing every word to make quota. Unfortunately, each client differs from the rest. The same verbiage for each prospect will never work. Once again, the lack of doing the homework kills the possibility for business.
Clientele views memorization as:
- Insincere
- No interest in learning about the company and its competition
- A lack of comprehensive knowledge
The sale is lost at the starting point.
The last phase of traditional training is to put each new hire on stage for a role play
Role play is the exact opposite of improvisation. It is an awkward feeling to be on stage, in front of peers. The experience worsens upon hearing questions about an unfamiliar product or service. The new representative needs to answer, but is not familiar with the right wording.
Most new hires do a terrible job with role play. Worse, the experience for many is humiliating. Some new hires quietly quit. They never complete the on-boarding process. The experience becomes a giant waste of time for the departing new hire.
The revolving door syndrome is a considerable detriment to the company bottom-line.
New Training: Capture the Similarities Between Improvisation and Effective Selling
Creative salespeople excel because they are quick to pick up on what their clients are telling them. ‘Think on your feet’ is the ultimate skill to embrace. Improvisation training for new hires will do wonders to improve skills and adaptability.
Motivation to try new ideas drives success.
What will happen if:
- We are to experiment with the similarities between improv and effective selling
- We train new hires to hear each question for an appropriate response
- We teach representatives the skills needed for increasing their comfort level being on stage
Will we see more effective selling and profits soar?
The novel training will bring a more energetic feel to the instruction. Improv and effective selling complement one another well.
Be different, be unique, be yourself!
Your Story: Similarities Between Improv and Effective Selling
As a company owner, give thought to the type of training you provide. Does morale need to be raised a notch?
Consider the Similarities Between Improv and Effective Selling:
- Is it possible to eliminate the typical one size fits all training
- Are you willing to demonstrate that your training is different
- Do you believe that new employees will have greater motivation to do better?
It always appears to be a gamble to try the new until it plays out well. Set aside a budget to bring in professional improv actors to teach the skills new salespeople need. New hires will become more comfortable on the client stage. It is very likely the new employees will see the similarities between Improv and more effective selling.
After training completes, provide anonymous surveys. The truth stands a good chance for revealing itself. The feedback will lend insight on how to improve. One extra step is to share, with the team, what you learned from the surveys. Offer appreciation for the comments and ask for additional thought. Together you may build a more productive team.
Future Team Meetings
Before the serious portion of team meetings begins, ask them, ‘What’s the craziest thing you did over the weekend?’ The spontaneous answers will have everyone laughing, and more people will participate. Everyone will enjoy a feeling of unity and team spirit.
The entire team will soon come to recognize the similarities between improv and effective selling.
Smile and have fun – enjoy your clientele!
Entrepreneurs: Train Your Mind
As an entrepreneur, groom yourself to think on your feet. Take an improv class on occasion. It’s a forever cycle to remain up to date on new thought. Doing so will make you an effective sales leader.
These factors will help:
- Become observant of everything around you
- Learn to read body language and facial expressions
- Be more interested than ever
- Listen to the entire answer and then ask more
- Reflect on other similar situations and how you may advance forward
- Sleep on the thought
- Intuitively implement your ideas
For More Insights: Visit Elinor’s Amazon Author Page
“Communicate to Attract Interest”
Authentic Relationships Are Essential
Be A Story-Teller
As the CEO of Smooth Sale, after her near-death experience, Stutz adapted the motto,
“Believe, Become, Empower“
” Nice Girls DO Get the Sale is an International Best-Selling and Evergreen Book – among the classics;
HIRED! Helped many to secure the job they desired.
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Sales Tips: Similarities Between Improv and Effective Selling
- Pay attention to the details of each conversation
- As an idea comes to mind, ask your prospective client what they think
- Explain the connection between their previous statement and your new plan
- Talk through the pros and cons of the unique thought with your prospect
- Accept the decisions your clientele makes, but always ask ‘why?’ for greater clarity
- Be prepared to focus on another type of sale as your client’s issues reveal themselves.
- Take an improv class for greater comfort in speaking with clientele
- Host a year-end or President’s Club event with improv actors
- Add improv exercises into monthly meetings to invigorate the team
- Celebrate Success!
Today’s insights are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!
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