DO’s and DON’Ts when approaching prospects

• DON’T address prospects by their last name (Mr. Smith or Mrs. Jones). It’s too formal, you scream “salesperson” and it’s easy to mispronounce their name.
• DO address your prospects by their first name. “Hey, is this Bob? Hi, Bob, my name is _____”. Talk to them like they are your friend.

• DON’T speak loudly when you approach people. You are more-than-likely a fun, outgoing person. That’s great for your sales presentation, but not great for your approach.
• DO lower the volume in your voice to half of what it normally is when you approach people. You will come across as MUCH more likable and not sales-y. Once you get your foot in the door, you can go back to your fun, outgoing self.

• DON’T go into your sales talk, product or benefits during your approach. The goal is to SIT DOWN or BOOK AN APPOINTMENT (if calling over the phone). The more you talk, the less likely you are going to get your foot in the door.
• DO keep your approach super short and ask to sit down or book an appointment within 10 seconds. LESS IS MORE – waaaaaaaaay more!

• DON’T be “perfect and polished” or scripted. Be authentic, laid back and human.
• DO use words like “hey”, “um” and “yeah”. That’s what real people say. It’s more natural if your approach is “Hey, are you Bob? Hi Bob my name is Kate. Your buddy Jack Smith suggested I come by and introduce myself. Jack is a client of mine and, um, he thought you might appreciate knowing about what I do. You gotta place we can sit down?”
  
• DON’T rely on cold calls. You have to burn thru 10X the number of prospects to get 1 of them to sit down with you. And you have to work 2-3X the hours.
• DO work referrals. Working referrals will get you in more doors than all of the other sales tips combined. The biggest obstacle salespeople face every day is credibility. You have little credibility with cold calls and a lot of credibility with referrals.

• DON’T wear a suit or tie. Ladies, no need for a dress. (The exception to this rule is if you are selling to a very formal clientele or you are giving a group presentation). Don’t look like a salesperson. Many pastors and teachers are now wearing jeans and t-shirts these days. Why? It makes them more approachable and relatable. Times have changed with dress code and salespeople need to adapt.
• DO appear clean cut. But salespeople can wear nice jeans and a blouse or khaki pants/shorts with a polo shirt. Look like someone’s BFF, not an FBI agent.