3 Tips for Buyer-Focused Conversations

If I could share and reinforce one and only skill with a sales team this year, it would be this one: make the conversation about the buyer, as opposed to about you.

In the realm of sales, there exists a singular skill that reigns supreme: the ability to center the conversation around the buyer rather than oneself. This art of consistently steering discussions towards the buyer demands practice and discipline. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to slip into the habit of making the dialogue about one’s own offerings, company, and expertise. This tendency is exacerbated during moments of stress or uncertainty, where humans instinctively default to the familiar terrain of self-reference.

To counteract this inclination, sales professionals must undergo rigorous training and reinforcement in the craft of buyer-focused interactions. What if, alongside the customary emphasis on product knowledge, we dedicated equal fervor to mastering the art of buyer-centric conversations? Here are three potent strategies to begin embedding this approach into your sales arsenal:

1. Anticipate and Address Buyer Questions: Early in the buyer’s journey, they grapple with pivotal questions about their needs and the potential solutions available. Rather than regurgitating features and benefits, engage proactively with these inquiries. Identify the most pressing concerns likely swirling in the buyer’s mind and initiate discussions around these topics. By offering concise, relevant answers, you position yourself as a valuable resource and ally in their decision-making process.

2. Harness the Power of Narrative: Human communication thrives on storytelling. Share compelling anecdotes showcasing how your organization alleviated similar concerns for past clients. Craft narratives rich in emotion, illustrating the journey from initial apprehension to eventual satisfaction. By weaving stories that resonate with the buyer’s experiences and aspirations, you forge deeper connections and instill confidence in your ability to deliver results.

3. Ask Provocative Hook Questions: Hook questions serve as conversation catalysts, capturing the listener’s attention while spotlighting your expertise and attentiveness. These queries should invite reflection and dialogue, empowering the buyer to steer the conversation towards their priorities. Avoid steering the discussion solely based on your agenda; instead, demonstrate genuine curiosity and a willingness to adapt to the buyer’s needs and preferences.

Examples of effective hook questions include:

• Some of our clients aren’t interested in small incremental results. 🡺 What do you think it would take for you to see a three to ten times ROI on a project like this?”
• “I know that your competitor recently revamped their process for this. 🡺 Were they far behind and trying to play catch-up, or were they pulling ahead to be cutting-edge in your space?”
• “I know you’re a leader in your industry and probably already figured this out, but if I had a magic wand and could grant you one wish regarding your current processes, what would it be?”

Sales is a discovery and qualification process that requires some back and forth between both parties. Unless you ask the right questions, you won’t uncover your buyers’ needs or figure out how to position your solution. Not understanding their needs will cost you the relationship; not having the information you need to make good decisions will cost you the deal.

In essence, these three foundational practices pivot the sales conversation away from a mere recitation of features and benefits, placing the spotlight firmly on the buyer’s needs and aspirations. Embrace these strategies wholeheartedly, and watch as your sales interactions evolve into meaningful engagements grounded in empathy, understanding, and value delivery.