Sales blunders, we all make them. Every salesperson makes a mistake several times in his or her career. Logical, because selling is a profession in which you grow through experience. Making mistakes is not a bad thing, as long as you can learn from them. In fact, afterwards you may have a good laugh about your mistakes. We have listed some of the most commonly made sales blunders for you. Recognizable, funny, but above all inspiring.

Buy my product because it's the best!

Sounds good, right? You sell your product or service to your prospect. Yet this is precisely a point where we often make a mistake. We want to sell our products and services, instead of offering the solution to the problem. We reason from our own offer and look for arguments to convince the prospect that our offer is the best. However, we should think and act in solutions. What problem does the customer have and how can I formulate a solution for it?

From sheet to sheet

Almost every salesperson ensures that he/she is prepared with a sales presentation. That's all well and good and of course also important. However, as discussed in the previous point, the emphasis during such a presentation is usually very much on our own products and services. Moreover, we are often guided by our sheets during a sales conversation. We want to discuss those 50 sheets from A to Z. Let that thought go. Sit back, ask questions, and engage in valuable conversation. Let the conversation take its own turn and gain your prospect's trust. You attract customers based on a personal relationship, not on the basis of your sheets.

TMI, Too Much Information

A sales conversation usually only lasts an hour. In those 60 minutes you have to find out where your prospect's pain points are and you also have to build a relationship of trust. You won't succeed if you focus too much on the details. Especially technicians with a passion for their product are inclined to want to show a lot of technical features. Do not do it! Your prospect probably can't make sense of it and is mainly looking for a solution, not for product details.

You are too sweet!

You naturally want to convert that prospect into a customer. Logically. That's why as salespeople we are often too nice during conversations. Too accommodating. Too anxious. We do not dare to speak out and do not ask critical questions. But that is exactly what can happen lead to trust. Just ask those critical questions. Dare to go against your contacts.

no is no

A salesperson cannot know everything. Often during our sales conversations we are not 100% sure that we have an appropriate answer to our prospect's question. To ensure a favorable conversion, we are quickly inclined to say YES to every question. You often get this back on your plate. Or from your customer, because you cannot make it happen, or from your own organization. Muster up the courage to indicate during a sales conversation that you are not sure about your situation and that you need to consult with the internal specialists within your organization.

The cross-examination

A sales conversation often looks more like a cross-examination than a mutual conversation. The prospect is often dominant, especially if there is an experienced buyer sitting opposite you. The questions keep coming and you are pushed into the corner. Getting carried away in such a conversation is a common mistake among novice salespeople. Turn it around! Make sure you are in control and that you ask the questions. Asking questions is the best way to have a valuable conversation.

Chattering disease

How do we like to hear ourselves talk? Salespeople often have their say, especially salespeople with a lot of experience. There is a huge risk in that. Because we have such a smooth conversation, we often talk way too much. However, the strength of a salesperson lies mainly in listening. Let there be a moment of silence. Just force the other person to speak and indicate what is going on. Only then do you really get to know your conversation partners.

You can learn from mistakes. We know that better than anyone. That is why we also discuss possible errors in detail during our training and carry out many practical exercises. If you want to know more about sales training, take a look at us training offer.