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Avoid Salesy - Feel Good

fight
Read time: 3 mins

One non-salesy tip

Sellers have been taught to handle objections like a fight. They have been told to use battle cards and to overcome. This language - this mindset - is not good for anyone.

Objections are emotions.

You don't fight with emotions - you navigate them.

Every objection is an emotional response. Even the ones shrouded in reason. Because of this, responding to the emotion is more effective.

Here’s a 3-part framework you can adapt to your context.

Its called: VET

VET: Validate, Empathize, Teach

VALIDATE: To validate someone in a sales context, it might sound like this:

“I appreciate that you brought that up. It’s a fair point.”

This simple statement “validates” the feeling. It makes people feel heard. It also shows you're emotionally aware. People will feel safe with you.

EMPATHIZE: To empathize with your prospect might sound like this:

“It sounds like you weren’t expecting that.” Or, “I can see why that might be frustrating.”

This short empathic statement acknowledges the emotions at play. It puts people at ease allowing them to move forward. It makes you trustworthy.

TEACH: To teach your prospect, it might sound like this:

“Are you open to thinking about this a bit differently, or should we just part as friends?”

This invitation provides freedom of choice for your prospect. There's no pressure, helping them to open up to see a path forward with you.

VET: Validate, Empathize, Teach

Here's an example:

Buyer - this seems rather complicated!

Seller - I appreciate that you brought that up. It's a fair point. It sounds like you're hoping for a little easier lift, am I reading you right?"

Buyer - yeah, it feels like a lot...

Seller - Totally get it, are you open to thinking about this a little bit differently, or should we part ways here?

Buyer - No, sure, go ahead...

Download the Objection Handling Template Here

One sales principle

Navigate the emotions

One 1-min vid

This was my first LinkedIn video - it's on empathy in sales

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