Begin your Presentation Strategically
START THE PRESENTATION STRATEGICALLY
Every presentation should have a clear objective or goal. Whether it’s to inform,
persuade, or entertain, starting with a defined purpose helps to focus your message and
gives direction to your presentation.
PRIORITIZE UNDERSTANDING OVER BEING UNDERSTOOD
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to communicate perfectly or impress, but your
primary goal is for the audience to understand and engage with your ideas.
DEMONSTRATE EMPATHY, SELF-ASSURANCE, AND ENTHUSIASM IN
YOUR THOUGHTS, BODY, AND WORDS BY BEING AWARE OF YOUR
ABILITY TO ASSIST IN PROBLEM-SOLVING
To make a genuine connection with your audience, you must come across as
approachable, confident, and engaged. This helps to build rapport and makes your
audience more receptive to your ideas.
KEEP YOURSELF FROM GIVING IN TO THE URGE TO EXAGGERATE
Over-exaggeration or embellishing facts can undermine your credibility. Staying
truthful and grounded in your presentation helps to build trust and authenticity.
YOU’LL FIND THAT IN THE END, INTEGRITY, CHARACTER, AND
TRUST WINS
Trust and integrity are what leave a lasting impact on your audience. If you
maintain a strong sense of ethics and demonstrate your commitment to helping others,
your audience will respect you and your message.
The Approach
A sales approach refers to the strategy or method that a salesperson or a sales team
uses to engage with potential customers, build relationships, and ultimately persuade
them to make a purchase.
The Right to Approach
Making a positive first impression, establishing rapport, and understanding the
prospect's needs and goals to build a strong, trusting relationship.
Why Sales Approaches Are the Key to Your Business Success
Sales are the lifeblood of any business. Without a steady stream of revenue, even the
most innovative products or services can struggle to survive in today's competitive
market. To thrive, organizations need to continuously refine their sales strategies and
adapt to changing customer behaviors.
Opening the Sales Presentation
A buyer's reactions to the salesperson in the early minutes of the presentation are
critical to a successful sale
Your attitude during the approach
It is common for a salesperson to experience tension in various forms when
contacting a prospect
Successful salespeople have learned to use creative imagery to relax and concentrate
The First Impression You Make Is Critical to Success
Your first impression is projected by:
1. Appearance
2. Attitude
You only have one chance to make a favorable first impression
To Make a Favorable Impression
Wear business clothes that are suitable and fa conservative
Be neat in dress and grooming
Refrain from smoking, chewing gum, or drinking in your prospect's office
Keep an erect posture
Leave all unnecessary materials outside the office
If possible, sit down
Be enthusiastic and positive throughout the interview
Smile!
Be enthusiastic and positive throughout the interview
Smile!
Do not apologize for taking the prospect's time
Do not imply that you were just passing by
Maintain eye contact
If the prospect offers to shake hands, do so with a firm, positive grip while
maintaining eye contact
Learn how to pronounce the prospect's name correctly
Small Talk Warms Up
Small talk, involves casual conversation about neutral topics like the weather, stock
market, or sports. It helps create a comfortable atmosphere before transitioning into the
sales pitch.
Weather, stock market, sports
Planned, formal, selling technique used as a lead-in to the upcoming discussion of
the product.
Statement, demonstration, or question(s)
Statement: A clear, impactful statement about the product's value or benefits, designed
to capture attention and set the stage for further conversation.
Demonstration: A practical display or example of how the product works, highlighting
its features and advantages, which engages the prospect visually and practically.
Questions: Asking targeted questions to gauge the prospect's needs, concerns, and
interests, facilitating a dialogue that tailors the conversation to their specific situation.
Approach Categories
Opening with a Statement: This involves making a confident statement about a relevant
topic to capture attention and set the stage for the discussion.
Opening with a Demonstration: Here, the salesperson showcases a product or service
right away, engaging the prospect visually and practically, which can pique interest
effectively.
Opening with a Question or Questions: This method involves asking questions to
engage the prospect and understand their needs, making the conversation more interactive
and personalized.
Technology in the Approach
Technology has transformed every aspect of our lives, from communication and
daily living. Over the years, technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices,
helping people be more efficient and productive. The workplace, including the sales
industry,has been significantly impacted by modern technology. New technology has
made it easier for salespeople to capture their target audience. Salespeople can use a
variety of strategies, resources, and techniques to increase new clients and engagement.
Modern technology has paved the way for targeted selling. The rise of social media
has provided salespeople with additional avenues for engaging and converting potential
customers. Social media enables sales professionals to interact with potential clients and
establish connections with them. Unlike in traditional cold calls, social media gives
salespeople access to thousands of potential clients. In many ways, modern technology
has made it easier for salespeople to succeed, due to the wide range of platforms that
enable targeted prospecting. Technology has enabled salespeople to explore customer
profiles more thoroughly and gain better insights into the kinds of individuals using their
services and products. Thus, the function of the salesperson has evolved to be more
purpose-oriented and more focused on customer knowledge.
Salespeople can now more easily research their prospects and gain insights into
customer needs. Due to technology, the salesperson’s role has become significantly more
immediate with various options to gather information and data prior to meetings. The
instant nature of the sales industry has allowed clients and customers to approach the
salesperson directly for additional details about the product. Therefore, technology has
enabled salespeople to develop and improved relationships and at a much faster way.
Key Technologies in Sales
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
These platforms act as the primary center for organizing lead and customer data,
simplifying processes, and minimizing manual activity. Pipedrive and other CRM tools
enable sales teams to keep track of interactions, plan future plans, and assess sales
performance.
- Lead Enrichment Tools
These tools can provide comprehensive insights into leads by leveraging company
information, demographic data, and social media profiles. Smart Contact Data serves as
an illustration of a lead enrichment tool that retrieves web data information about
contacts.
- Sales Enablement and Engagement Platforms
These platforms enable sales professionals to gather information on leads and
prospects, enabling them to determine the most effective tactics for closing deals.
- Sales Scheduling and Routing Tools
These tools assess lead eligibility and connect them with the appropriate
representatives, who can provide information on experience or geographical location.
Scheduler serves as an example of a sales scheduling tool that allows leads to schedule
meetings and connects with CRMs.
- Internal Communication Tools
The use of these tools facilitates internal communication among sales teams,
resulting in more efficient collaboration and information sharing. Slack serves as an
illustration of an internal communication tool that connects with CRMs such as
Pipedrive.
Key Technologies in the Approach to Sales
1. Data Analytics
- Predictive Analytics: Analyze customer data to predict buying behavior and identify
potential leads.
- Customer Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of customer needs, preferences, and
pain points.
2. Automation Tools
- Email Automation: Automate email campaigns to nurture leads and stay top-of-mind.
- Lead Qualification : Automate lead qualification to identify potential customers and
assign them to sales reps.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Chatbots : Use AI-powered chatbots to engage with customers, answer questions, and
qualify leads.
- Personalized Communication: Use AI to personalize communication with customers,
predicting their needs and preferences.
4. Content Management Systems
- Content Creation: Create and store relevant content to engage customers and nurture
leads.
- Content Distribution : Distribute content across multiple channels to expand reach and
facilitate communication.
5. Social Media and Online Platforms
- Social Selling: Leverage social media to connect with customers, build relationships,
and identify potential leads.
- Online Communities : Participate in online communities to engage with customers,
share knowledge, and establish thought leadership.
6. Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Virtual Product Demos: Use virtual reality to provide immersive product demos and
enhance the customer experience.
- Augmented Reality: Use augmented reality to provide interactive and engaging product
experiences.
7. Sales Enablement Tools
- Sales Playbooks: Use sales playbooks to provide a structured approach to sales,
outlining the sales process and providing guidance on how to approach customers.
- Content Recommendations: Use content recommendations to provide sales reps with
relevant content to share with customers.
Roles of Technology
- Enhancing Sales Productivity
- Improving Customer Engagement
- Streamlining Sales Processes
- Improving Sales Analytics and Insight
- Driving Revenue Growth
- Enhancing Sales Enablement
USING QUESTIONS
oQuestions are the most common openers because they allow the salesperson to better
determine the prospect's needs, that force the prospect to participate in the sales
interview.
oThe salesperson should use questions only that experience and preplanning have proven
receive a positive reaction from the buyer.
oLike opening statements, opening questions can be synthesized to suit a number of
selling situations.
Four Basic Categories of Questions
a) Direct or Closed-ended Questions
b) Non-Directive or Open-ended Questions
c) The Rephrasing Question
d) The Redirect Question
Direct Question or Close-ended question
○ Can be answered with very few words
○ Ask for a limited, short answer from prospect
○ Yes or no, or a few words
○ Useful in moving toward a specific topic
○ Does not really tell you much
○ There is little feedback information
Examples:
"Mr. Berger, are you interested in saving 20 percent on your manufacturing costs?"
"Reducing manufacturing costs is important, isn't it?"
"What kind?" or "How many?"
Nondirective (Open-Ended) Questions
Opens up two-way communication
Questions begins with who, what, where, when, how, or why Prompts customer to
continue talking
Examples:
Who will use this product?
What features are you looking for in a product like this?
Rephrasing Question
At times, prospect's meaning is not clearly stated
○ Salesperson attempts to clarify meaning
○ Salesperson attempts to further determine prospect's needs
Examples:
Would it be correct to say that price is the most important thing you are interested in?
Earlier in the conversation, you shared that delivery times are of the utmost
importance.
Can you tell me more about your expectations in this area?
Redirect Question
○ Used to redirect prospect to selling points that both parties agree on
○ Moves conversation from a negative position to a positive or neutral one
○ Reestablishes communication between two people
○ Finds areas of agreement between buyer and seller even if prospect is opposed to
purchasing product
Examples:
You would agree that manufacturers must use the most cost-efficient equipment to
stay competitive these days, wouldn't you?
Wouldn't you agree that you continually need to find new ways to increase your
company's sales?
The Results in Sales Success
Focuses on understanding your customers, building strong relationships, and
providing value, while also developing a consistent sales process and maintaining a
positive mindset.
Throughout this post, we’ve explored the top strategies for achieving sales success.
From setting clear goals and mastering time management to building strong customer
relationships and leveraging sales tools, these strategies are essential for any sales
professional aiming to boost their sales performance.
Here's the detailed key factors contributing to sales success:
Understand your customers: Identify their needs, pain points, and goals.
Build relationships: Focus on long-term relationships rather than just individual
transactions.
Belief in your product/service: Have confidence in what you’re selling and its value
Provide value: Offer solutions that address their specific needs and problems.
Continuous learning: Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
Active listening: Pay close attention to what customers say and ask clarifying
questions.
Develop a consistent sales process: Establish a repeatable process that leads to
positive results.
Other key Factors of a sales success
Positive attitude: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic approach.
Professionalism: Be reliable, responsible, and committed to your goals.
Time management: Prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.
Set clear goals: Establish realistic and achievable sales goals.
Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from the customers.
Teamwork: Collaborate with your team to achieve shared goals.
Prospecting: Identify and qualify potential customers.
Recognize and reward success: Celebrate achievements and motivate your team.
This Results will continuous learning, effective sales techniques, and maintaining
physical and mental health are also crucial components of long-term success.
Implementing these strategies can transform your sales career and help you achieve
lasting success.
Reference
Antonius, F. (2023)
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/pert6-begin-your-presentation-strategicly-
futrelppt/261402862
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/533536160/Presentation-Approach
https://vengreso.com/blog/sales-success
https://neodove.com/top-5-effective-sales-approaches-you-need-to-master/
Mathur, D. (2023)
https://www.kennect.io/post/sales-approach
Indeed Editorial Team (2025)
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/sales-approach
https://bmsperformance.com/insight/how-has-technology-impacted-the-salespersons-role
https://www.pipedrive.com/en/blog/sales-technology