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Modern Sales Tactics That’ll Make Your Results Soar

10 min read
Sep 22, 2023
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It's time to toss the old playbook out. The modern sales landscape is less about selling and more about building genuine relationships, understanding needs, and offering real solutions. You'll fall behind quickly if you're still relying on age-old tactics.

Adapting to modern sales techniques isn't about reinventing the wheel. It's about understanding the game's new rules and playing them to your advantage. Keep reading to learn how to do that.

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Genuine connections and relationships are the secret sauce to your sales success

Think about the last time someone remembered your name or a small detail about you. Felt good, didn't it? Your customers feel the same way. A personalized touch stands out in a world of automated responses and generic emails. Using insights from past interactions, purchase histories, or even social media can help tailor your approach

Imagine walking into a store and the salesperson immediately hands you exactly what you've been looking for. Magic, right? Not quite. It's the result of truly understanding a customer's needs. When you take the time to listen, to really hear what your client is saying, you position yourself not just as a salesperson but as a problem solver. And who doesn't love someone who makes their problems disappear?

From cold calls to warm calls

Gone are the days of shooting in the dark. Warm calling is the new kid on the block and is a game-changer. Instead of reaching out to someone completely out of the blue, warm calling involves a bit of groundwork. It could be someone who's interacted with your brand on social media, attended one of your webinars, or was referred by an existing client. The connection, albeit slight, is already there. Your job? Build on it. 

Personalizing your outreach

Let's talk emails. We all get them, and let's be honest, most of them end up in the trash. So how do you make sure yours stands out? Personalization. And no, we're not just talking about a "Hi [First Name]" at the beginning. Dive deeper. Did they recently download an ebook from your site? Reference it. Did they comment on a company blog post? Mention it. Show them you've done your homework. 

When you're about to pick up the phone or draft an email, pause for a moment. Do a little digging, find that common ground, and use it as your starting point. Because in the world of sales, it's about making a connection. And with warm outreach, you're already one step ahead.

Technology is the booster your sales needs

If you're not using the power of sales tech in your strategy, you're missing out big time. Let's dive into how you can give your sales a digital edge.

Social media isn't just for selfies

You're probably on social media for the memes, the updates, or maybe the occasional cat video. But have you thought about its power as a sales tool? Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram can be goldmines for lead generation

Share valuable content, engage with potential leads, and join industry-specific groups. While you're at it, keep an eye on what your competitors are up to. Social listening can give you insights into market needs, pain points, and emerging trends. When you're scrolling through your feed, remember: it's not just social; it's business.

Use automation to work smart, not hard

Automation platforms can handle everything from scheduling follow-ups to segmenting your contact list. Think of them as your virtual assistants, taking care of the mundane tasks so you can focus on what you do best: building relationships and closing deals. Plus, you can tweak your strategies on the go with real-time analytics. 

Fueling your sales engine with sales enablement content 

Think of it as the backstage crew in a theater production. It might not be in the spotlight, but the show doesn't go on without it. 

The power of cross-team collaboration

You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one"? When it comes to content creation, it's spot on. Collaborating with different teams — be it marketing, product, or customer support – can bring diverse perspectives and insights to the table. The marketing team can share what's resonating with the audience and the product team can provide in-depth details. Meanwhile, customer support, the frontline, hears directly from customers. 

By pooling this knowledge, you can craft content that's informative and resonates with your target audience. So, the next time you're brainstorming content ideas, invite a colleague from another team. You'll be surprised at the magic that unfolds.

Diverse content for diverse needs

Every customer is on a unique journey, and your content should cater to their specific needs. Here's a breakdown of some content types and why they're effective:

Content is more than just words on a page or a video on a screen. It's a tool, a resource, and sometimes, the nudge a potential customer needs to make a decision. So, invest in it, diversify it, and most importantly, make it resonate. 

Feedback is the key to sales excellence

Now, let's talk about something that's as essential as your morning coffee: feedback. In the fast-paced world of sales, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget that there's always room for growth. But here's the thing: just like a fine wine, your sales approach can and should get better with time. 

Auditing client conversations

You've had countless conversations with clients, but have you ever taken a moment to reflect on them? Auditing client conversations helps you understand the nuances, the pain points, and the moments of connection. Did a particular approach resonate with a client? Or was there a question that left them puzzled? By revisiting these conversations, you can gather invaluable insights. Think of it as mining for gold. Every conversation has nuggets of wisdom; you just need to find them.

The art of continuous learning

Sales, like any other field, is ever-evolving. New tools, techniques, and trends pop up regularly. And while it's great to have a tried-and-tested approach, it's equally important to keep an open mind. Attend workshops, webinars, or even casual meetups with peers. Read up on the latest in the industry. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Because, let's face it, stagnation is the real competitor in the world of sales. And the best way to beat it? Never. Stop. Learning.

When you close a deal or even lose one, take a moment. Reflect, learn, and grow. Because feedback, whether it's from a client, a peer, or yourself, is the compass that'll guide you to sales excellence. And trust us, the journey, with all its ups and downs, is worth every step.

Engaging prospects

You have your eager beavers ready to dive in, the skeptics raising an eyebrow, and the fence-sitters... well, sitting on the fence. Each segment requires a unique approach; firstly, we're zeroing in on prospects.

The art of following up

You've had the initial conversation, and it went well. But here's a little secret: the magic often lies in the follow-up. It's not about bombarding them with calls or emails. It's about showing genuine interest. Did they mention a specific concern during your chat? Address it in your follow-up. Share an article or a testimonial that might resonate with them. It shows you care, and that's half the battle won in the world of sales.

Overcoming objections

Every salesperson, no matter how seasoned, faces objections. It's part and parcel of the game. But here's the twist: objections are often opportunities in disguise. They give you a peek into your prospect's reservations. Instead of getting defensive, get curious. Ask open-ended questions, understand the root of their concern, and address it head-on. 

Nurturing leads

Not every prospect is ready to jump in immediately, and that's okay. Think of nurturing leads as tending to a garden. Some plants need more time and care to bloom. Share relevant content, offer value, and most importantly, be patient. Building trust takes time, but it's solid as a rock when it happens.

Engaging existing customers

While chasing new leads is exhilarating, there's a goldmine right under your nose: your existing customers. They already bought into your brand, and with the right nudge, they can become your biggest advocates. 

Offering upgrade incentives

Think about the last time you got a loyalty discount or an exclusive offer. Felt special, right? Your existing customers deserve that special treatment. Offering them upgrade incentives isn't just about upselling but showing appreciation. Whether it's a sneak peek into a new feature, a discount on an upgraded package, or an exclusive webinar, these gestures make your customers feel valued. 

The power of referrals

Word of mouth is as old as time, but its impact? Timeless. Your existing customers have networks, colleagues, friends, and families. And guess what? Their recommendation carries weight. Encourage them to spread the word. Offer referral bonuses or exclusive perks. It's a win-win. They get to share something valuable with their network, and you get a warm lead.

Reconnecting with past clients

While the clients you worked with in the past might seem like chapters closed, in the world of sales, every chapter has the potential for a sequel. Life moves fast, and it's easy to lose touch. But here's a little secret: a simple "hello" can go a long way. Whether it's a holiday greeting, a newsletter update, or even a casual coffee catch-up, staying in touch keeps you on their radar. 

Building on existing relationships for repeat business

You worked with them before, meaning there's a foundation and history. And just like any relationship, it can be deepened. Maybe their needs have evolved, or perhaps there's a new product or service that aligns perfectly with their current goals. Revisiting past collaborations and understanding their present challenges can open doors to repeat business.

As you sift through your contacts and come across names from the past, take a moment. Reach out, reconnect, and remind them of the value you bring to the table. Because in sales, while new leads are the adrenaline rush, past clients are the warm hug. And sometimes, that warm hug leads to a handshake on a new deal.

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Trusted by 36,000+ companies

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Embracing change in the dynamic world of sales

In the multifaceted realm of modern sales, one thing stands out: change is the only constant. The sales landscape is vibrant, ever-evolving, and brimming with opportunities. It's about understanding, personalizing, and building genuine connections.

But here's the real deal: adapting is about cultivating a mindset of continuous growth. Every interaction, every feedback, every challenge is a chance to learn and refine your approach. Dive into the wealth of resources, collaborate, and, most importantly, never stop learning. Because in this dynamic world of sales, the learners, the adaptors, the curious minds truly thrive.

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