In order to communicate betterpeople often subconsciously adapt their language to each other. They imitate each other’s way of speaking, their behavior, what they see, hear and feel while interacting with another person. Once people have adapted to each other it is much easier to find a common language.
In general, sales is about a good relationship with customers and you have it if you consciously adapt to them. There are few different customers types. Getting familiar with them will help you to adjust to customer’s needs and improve your sales effectivenessbetter. I will try to present few basic types of customers who require different approach from your side. Knowing and understanding specific styles of customer’s personality types can be beneficial while having sales talks. One of the most popular categories is based on comparisons to animals:
LION
- Very dominant, yet open
- Selfconfident
- Talks a lot in a loud manner
- Likes fighting for his/her rights; aims at achieving success
- Speaks clearly about expectations, even demands
- Sensitive about his/her position, prestige and position
- Likes to be in control and be decisive
HOW to deal?
Do not let yourself to be intimidated by his/her behavior. He/she likes to talk only with people on the same level and rank. Give your suggestions and let the lion think that those are his/hers. This will make him/her satisfied and self-fulfilled. As customers they tend to be one-off and not loyal.
COBRA
- Keeps at a distance; does not show emotions
- Is silent; analyzes at lot
- Talks about details and wants to hear the same
- Is wellprepared, knows competition, other offers etc.
HOW to deal?
You have to have the exact numbers and hard data. You have to present really a good offer comparable with the competition. Always be fully professional, exact and up to the point. If a cobra likes your presentation, he/she will calculate and make a decisionquickly. As a customer he/she is pretty loyal.
DOLPHIN
- He/she is afraid and unsure
- He/she doesn’t know what he/she wants
- Does not like to make decisions
- Has problem with good communication
- Introvert but warm and friendly
HOW to deal?
Those sales talk may linger as this customer is typically hesitant. You have to gain his/her trust and explain a lot. He/she will reply to your opinion so you cannot let him/her down. You have to give a very narrow offer. After the final choice you have to assure this customer about his/her good selection choice. If he/she is satisfied he/she will pass this informationalong.
DOG
- Friendly towards surroundings and sales talks
- Easygoing and open for a contact
- Believe in what the other person is saying
- Ready for cooperation
- Talkative
- Speaks openly about his/her expectations
- Curious about a product/ service
HOW to deal?
Show an interest in what he is saying, listen a lot and be engaged. He/she will compare other offers on the market but he/she cannot be cheated. Once you lose his/her trust you will not be able to rebuild it. His/her purchases are often emotional due to an impulse and you have a great opportunity to influence it. Very loyal as a customer but requires to take care of such a relationship.
In literature there are plenty more examples of different types of customers. While preparing your team and yourself for a conversation about a new membership or a contract with a new potential or regular customer pay attention not only to a hard data taken from PerfectGym management software but mainly listen to the customers. Only this combination can bring you success and boost sales effectiveness.