When it comes right down to it, sales isn’t all that different from dating.  In both instances, you are trying to spark a long-term relationship built on trust and mutual need.

Here are 3 quick sales lessons we can learn from dating:

Lesson #1.  Sometimes you need to make the first move.  

Remember those dances in junior high with the terrible punch and awkward hairstyles?  The girls stood on one side of the cafeteria while the boys stood on the other.  Everyone wanted to dance, but no one wanted to risk failure.  Don’t just stand there, staring, and feeling miserable.  Get off the wall and create contact with your customers!  Secure that first Yes! with a customized branding strategy, crisp new website or eye-catching trade show display.

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of starting a blog? Let us help you. Check out our website design and blogging packages to see how easy and affordable it can be!

Lesson #2: Stop Talking and Start Listening.  

The best way to get to know the person you are dating is to simply ask and listen.  When you begin dating someone, you spend a lot of time listening to the other person to discern personality, preferences and compatibility.  The same goes for customers.  Get to know your clients individually and collectively.  Ask questions.

• What are their needs?  
• How can your product or service help improve their situation?  
• What can your product, or company, do better?  

Glean answers through interpersonal conversations or online review and survey feedback. Use social media integration tools to learn what your customers have to say.

Lesson #3: Be Yourself.  

You don’t want to date someone who puts on an act.  Neither do you want a product or service that can’t live up to expectations.  It is perfectly acceptable to brag about your product’s best features.  But embellishing or outright lying with claims you can’t back up will eventually leave your date, and customers, with an empty feeling inside and you out in the cold.  Make honesty your best policy and the relationship will flourish.  

Let The Sherwood Group help you start and grow all your sales relationships!  From websites and photography to social media integration, we have the tools to woo and wow.  Contact us today for ideas on identity building, branding, graphic and website design services and more.  

If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these others:

Don’t Try Contacting New Prospects Without Reading These Tips First
4 Marketing Stunts That Captured our Imaginations
If You Don’t Update Your Website Now, You’ll Hate Yourself Later
4 Social Media Goals That Can Supercharge Your Business
How to Target Large Clients with Little to No Money
5 Tips for Successful Business Networking
Is There Still Gold in Cold Calling?

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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