Most of us say we want more business, but the reason why we don’t get it may be because we don’t ask for it. Here are some tips for “asking for the business”. Try them and see what magic can happen.
1. Expect a yes – being positive is contagious! If we expect a ‘no’, you will most likely get one. But if we expect a ‘yes’, and have an attitude of “why would anyone not want to take advantage of this opportunity?”…. we are more likely to get a ‘yes’ answer. Remember, if you think you will or if you think you won’t, you’re probably right.
2. Be clear, concise & compelling – then close! Get to the point. One of my mentors simply ask, “Do you want to do it?” Another says, “Are you ready to get started building your dream life?” Make yours fit you….and show excitement about your product or opportunity.
3. Ask now, ask later – things change! Another mentor of mine says, “continue to ask until they buy or die”. That means choose an interval of time so that you’re not badgering or stalking someone, but life circumstances change and someone may not be ready now, but in a month, two, or six months, they may be in a position that it works for them. So continue to ASK.
Why is it so hard to ask for the business? Don’t let these common reasons hamper YOUR sales!
1. They might say no - well you have nothing to lose by asking. There’s a book called “Getting to Yes”, which explains that it takes a number of no’s to get to yes. So every “no” brings you closer to a “yes”. If you have at least 100 on your list to contact, than a few no’s are no big deal – there’s still plenty of potential “yes” answers out there. And, keep adding to your list – it’s a numbers game. Don’t be discouraged by a “no” - remember, every “no” just brings you closer to a “yes”. So celebrate those ‘no’ responses and keep contacting.
2. They might think I’m being pushy – if you believe in what you are selling, you are doing them a favor! If you had a medicine that would cure your friend’s terminal condition, would you tell them about it or let them die because you think you’re being pushy? Well, if your friend is in financial trouble and you have a business opportunity that would bring them financial freedom, you owe it to them to share that opportunity. The choice is still theirs to make, but at least you’ve given them that opportunity. Imagine 2 years down the road that your friend enrolls in your business opportunity with someone else because you never shared it with them. How will you feel then? And even worse, when they find out that if you’d only showed them the opportunity earlier, they could have improved their finances fast, how will you feel then? So show them now. Let them decide.
3. I might lose their friendship – now what kind of friend were they really? If they decide to not be your friend over it, then my guess is that they were really never a true friend. I don’t suggest that you hound them, but a good friend will listen and support you regardless. .
These are all limiting beliefs. They are typically caused by fear – fear of rejection, fear of failure or fear of success are some of the common fears that lead to limiting beliefs. We can overcome these fears by our own positive “self talk”. But our negative self talk can cause us to be held back from our dreams and goals. So “take every thought captive” and only listen to the positive or constructive ones. When we ask for the business, we must have a positive attitude. And don’t let fear inter’fere’ with your success!
My challenge to you is
1. Make a list of everyone you know.
2. Call and see what they are up to.
3. See if you can help them fulfill their dreams. If more time or more money would help them reach their goals, then tell them you may have a solution for them.
4. Ask for 30 minutes of their (so you can give them your presentation).
5. Ask if they are ready to get started!
If they’re ready, enroll them and help them get started. If they’re not ready, follow up with them. A written note is the best way to follow up, so send them a card thanking them for their time. If you don’t already have a system for doing this, feel free to start a free SendOutCards account at www.sendoutcards.com/cathy or call me and I’ll walk you through the process and show you how to follow up easily and consistently with this great greeting card system. And if they say not now, don’t be afraid to ASK again in the future. Remember, the average person purchases after the 7th touch. So touch them often with cards. You can even automate your touches with SendOutCards by sending them a card campaign and they’ll receive cards from you at intervals that you choose.
Remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. So remember, they key to getting more business is to Ask for it.
Cathy
Send a Card for free at www.SendOutCards.com/Cathy and check out our opportunity DVD as well.