5 Definite Dont’s When You’re Selling To A Chick
Have you ever been sold by someone that grated on every last nerve you have in your body? Chances are that if you did buy, it was because you already knew what you wanted before you got there. In the case of us chicks, we love to shop, but few of us like to be ‘sold’.
Although this is a blog about marketing to or like a woman, I thought I’d lay out a few things that will shut down a sale to a woman faster than you can say “Sale at Macy’s”. Some sales experience is handy when marketing and vice versa. Here are my thoughts on some definite ‘Dont’s”.
- Don’t use hype – This has got to be the number one reason a woman would NOT buy or even trust your product or service. Women are generally intuitive by nature. We know when there is something not right. That big fake smile, the canned laugh, the over-exaggerated enthusiasm in your voice. This advice goes out to women as well as men, online or off. ..keep it real. The second you seem like a kiss ass we stop listening.
- Don’t tell us we can trust you – I always tell my daughters when a guy has to tell you he is nice guy you need to run as fast as you can. Actions speak louder than words they say. Prove that your word can be trusted. Do what you say you will do. If you make a statement or promise, follow through to completion. When is completion? When you have satisfied the customer. How do you know? Ask, and ask more than once.
- ‘Don’t be trippin’ – Don’t even think about using sales psychology on us. No reverse psychology, no text book close techniques. We are the masters at mind bending, so even if you do succeed and make the sale, once our emotions have settled we will be back, and it will not be pretty. Expect a cancellation. Expect a letter. Expect to hear from the BBB. Just show respect, give us the features & benefits, and some gentle guidance. Women are intelligent creatures…treats us as such and you will find yourself with cash in your pocket.
- Don’t be the Politician – If you are asked a question, just answer it. Don’t spend the next 15 minutes trying to impress us with the answer you came up with after spending countless hours in front of the mirror practicing. Be direct and honest. If the answer to the question is not the most positive one…it’s okay. Baby negatives are good. If you tell us everything about your product or service is perfect we are going to say it’s too good to be true. So, spare us the spin and just be open.
- Don’t try to close before you’ve established trust – I know the old phrase “Close soon & close often”, but as I said before…if there is no trust there will be no sale. We WANT to like you. Build the honest rapport, be friendly (not fake), ask questions about US and show you are listening. Remember, it’s been scientifically proven that women talk 3 times as much as men, so let us talk a bit, and pay at least a little attention. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to ask for the close.
Anything you’d like to add to the list? Feel free to leave your comments.
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You know Girl…You make perfect sense here, But….
I feel that applies to men as well.
Yeah, you’re right Bob…I’m sure we could turn tables and have the cheerleader on one side of the table that is trying to sell a man, and the guy just wants to make an intelligent purchase without the hype. There’s a quote by Jim Rohn that comes to mind:
“You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.”
I totally agree with everything you’ve said. I was married to a salesman for 23 years and I can smell a “Selling Technique” a mile away. Also LISTEN to us! I just can’t stand it when a salesperson wants to give you their canned speech about the product instead of listening to what things we are interested in. Well said Ms. Chick!
@Chrissy: The generation of the “used-car-salesman” type pitch is finally evolving and salespeople are starting to realize that. The best way to sell is to do some discovery (or ask questions & LISTEN), repeat it back in your own words to show you were paying attention, then use your service or product to solve their underlying problem. Women are great at that because we like to listen & solve problems!
Ok so if those rules apply to me does that make me a chick? Haha (yea I’m a dude). How would you like to be sold to?
@The Blogger Source: I would never say you are a chick…unless you wanted me to
Some chick tendencies are a good thing! You’re perfect the way you are and your blog has helped me in many ways!!
I love the part of “Don’t be Trippin” sooooo true!
Great blog!
[...] 5 Definite Dont’s When You’re Selling To A Chick – Have you ever been sold by someone that grated on every last nerve you have in your body? Chances are that if you did buy, it was because you already knew what you wanted before you got there. In the case of us chicks, we love to shop, but few of us like to be ’sold’. Although this is a blog about marketing to or like a woman, I thought I’d lay out a few things that will shut down a sale to a woman faster than you can say “Sale at Macy’s”. Some sales experience is handy when marketing and vice versa. Here are my thoughts on some definite ‘Dont’s… [...]
Twitter: Scruffstone
(9 comments) says:
Oh this is so right – every bit of it!
When I first started selling my fleece products I almost cringed when mentioning them to friends as I felt like a ‘salesman’ but eventually relaxed about it and realised that my mates do actually want to hear about my ‘latest thing’ but don’t necessarily want to buy it (but someone walking past at the school gates might do!).
So I’ve taken the same approach in all my social media adventures so far and post like this one of yours just says the same thing – ‘Be yourself’.
All I need now is software that will post say a phrase such as a tweet to all sites like twitter… although I’ve linked my blog, Facebook and Twitter so that three down…
Ooh and how about an opposing post about how to sell to stereotypical men who don’t like the femine approach…
@Sarah – The thing to remember when you’re selling to friends is to make it personal…you know them already and know their needs…so just casually mention how your product could fill their need. You might try using a third party story to make it less threatening.
Great idea about the opposing post! Will have to work on that one…and won’t that be fun!
Twitter: Scruffstone
(9 comments) says:
Hi Coree,
Yes third party stories can be less ‘in your face’ can’t they.
I asked my DH about ‘the opposing’ one and he said that basically he likes shop assistants to be friendly when he wants to ask them something but hates it when they try to approach him, and he’s a very stereotypical male! And he doesn’t like the ‘cold calling, hard sell’ approach either… there’s a start for you
[...] smile, lame compliments that everyone knows are ridiculous, hyped up sales pitch. These are all definite don’ts when selling if you’re to use today’s communication [...]
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