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How to overcome sales objections

How to overcome sales objections
Martin Knowles
Martin KnowlesSales: Untangled

Posted: Fri 26th Nov 2021

Martin Knowles is an expert on all things sales, as well as a trusted Enterprise Nation adviser.

In this blog post, Martin dives into the topic of sales objections, and how to overcome them.

If you're a small business owner who would like to benefit from Martin's vast knowledge, you can connect with him here.


What is meant by sales objections

Sales objections might not be what they appear. A lack of commitment doesn’t necessarily mean “no”.

It might just mean: “I have another question you’ve not answered yet”.

Being enthused by objections instead of fearing them could be the difference between a successful sales pitch or a long, depressing drive home.

Types of sales objections

Prospective customers might say:

  • “Let me have a think about it and get back to you.”

  • “It’s more than I expected.”

  • “That sounds a bit complicated.”

  • “I need to present this to my boss.”

  • “I need to look at a couple of other quotes.”

How to respond to objections

This can be tricky. Resist the temptation to knock objections out of the park. Surely the customer has misunderstood!

Pause. Listen. Think.

Then respond…with a great question.

An objection tells you something went wrong with your pitch or presentation. Maybe you overlooked an important question or answer. Maybe you did too much telling and not enough asking.

Asking another question gives you the chance to understand what your customer is missing.

What’s In It For Me?

What’s In It For Me is something humans instinctively revert to. When you’re enthusiastic about meeting a new customer, you’ve already figured out what’s in it for you.

But have you really assessed what’s in it for them? Can you clearly and simply describe the value potential customers see in:

  • what you sell

  • what makes you different

  • how you’re better than the competition

  • why you’re good value (even when your price looks high)

  • how other clients have benefited

Building these themes through your conversations help answer customer questions before they become objections.

Price is the elephant in the room

If a potential customer isn’t saying yes yet, doesn’t that mean they’re not ready to spend what you’re asking?

It’s so tempting – and often human nature – to respond to objections by dropping price. Please don’t!

First, before every meeting, decide what you will and won’t offer as discount. Work it out when you have a cool head and before the buyer’s eyes are on you.

There’s no shame in ending a meeting expressing how nice it’s been to meet someone and leaving without a sale. That’s better than flinging around discount in the hope it secures a deal.

Second, do you know what the buyer’s budget is? A good negotiator won’t give you a precise figure, but with the right question you should be able to establish a range within which they expect a solution to land.

If they reject your quote before you’ve established their expectations, they might be rejecting you because you’re too cheap!

A buyer who wants a proven solution to a number of issues might be put off by a new supplier offering a price that’s too good to be true. So, a deep understanding of what’s motivating them can make all the difference.

It’s not about you

These few techniques should help you make progress in customer discussions. But above all, don’t take it personally. Rarely will a buyer reject an offer because you’re you.

Ask the right questions, listen and learn. And next time you’ll be wiser and a little bit smarter, ready to go again.

Connect with Martin today and request a free discovery call


About School of Sales

We’re partnering with Salesforce to offer small businesses across the UK and Ireland the sales skills they need to succeed.

Delivered by a network of expert trainers via e-learning, online events and coaching, School of Sales will boost business owners’ skills and turnover.

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Martin Knowles
Martin KnowlesSales: Untangled
We provide consulting, advisory and interim management for small businesses. We're obsessive about customer focus, offering services in business and commercial strategy, sales and marketing.

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