Questions that cause you to live Paycheck to Paycheck...

[rejoice]

Now even if you don't think you're in the "sales" profession, my belief is that all of us find ourselves in a "selling" position at some time or another (if you're married, one of you did the selling :-)

Ron White has some great observations on those questions we're likely to ask during those times we're in the "selling" position:

1. Tell me a little about your company?

You are telling them that the meeting you have with them was not important enough for you to do a little research on their company. In this day and age of the internet, there is no reason to not have tons of information on your prospect and his/her company before the meeting.

2. What is your budget for this?

Hey, why don't we start talking price as soon as possible so I can magically lower my price and make as little money as possible. Instead, ask questions that cause the prospect to think in terms of your business and build value into your business.

3. Are you the decision maker?

The proper way to ask this question is to say, "Other than you.who will be involved in the decision making process." When you ask the question this way, you are including them and giving them an opportunity to say, "Well, Bob our General Manager will be in on the decision." Oftentimes, your contact will take your information to the real decision maker and present your product, and this is the first time you find out that your contact was not the real decision maker. Do you really want someone else making your product presentation?

4. So what do I have to do to get your business today?

You are telling the customer to get down to price as soon as possible. Do you really want to give the prospect an opportunity to get down to price as soon as possible? This question also gives the message that you don't want to do any work and ask questions to find out about what they are looking for.

[WanganRunner]

Ron White? Like "Tater Salad" Ron White?

Anyway, good advice, generally speaking. This sort of philosophy carries over successfully to all sorts of things.

[rejoice]

isn't he a comedian? i guess he was joking then lol

[Unreal030]

If the guy you are speaking of is this guy: http://www.nndb.com/people/735/000108411/

then yes, he is a relatively well known comedian and is on comedy central tv channel now and then in the USA. I have never heard him say any jokes like that however, most of them are of the more red necky or sexual theme.

Looks more like advice than a joke to me however so it may very well not be that ron white.

[SAMG]

I believe to own a business of your own, you have to be a sales person. In fact, I think anyone who is not a natural seller, should have some sales experience before they open a business of their own. I did a year and half at door to door sales, the hardest Da** thing I have ever done, and I did very well, which also helps everything else seem so much simpler.