The pace of life today is constructed in such a way that many of us feel compelled to stay in motion. As sales professionals, often the perception is that the faster we move, the more we will be rewarded. A Mindful Sales professional has control and understands the power of when to sit still and listen. It is said: “Be still and know.” Centering is the process of bringing your awareness back into your body.
Start by shifting your belief that it is possible to have a centered, mindful meeting with a customer. This shift sets the foundation for your positive sales experience. A professional greeting is simple and positive. This is an opportunity to spend time talking about anything other than your product or service. Meet the customer where they are. Did they travel a far distance to meet with you? Are they in the middle of a busy project at work? What is happening in their personal life? If you just met a person, it may be difficult to get past pleasantries; however, many times the best question to ask someone when you see them is, “How are you?”
When you invest time in meeting and greeting a customer, you will learn something that will allow you to connect in a more meaningful and substantive way.
Every relationship has a beginning. Choose your greeting carefully and start with something like, “Hello, my name is…” This is not the time or place for cheesy pick-up lines. The best greeting is simple and establishes respect and professionalism.
When you integrate mindfulness and sales you become more effective and profitable. As you become more mindful you will increase sales by:
- Creating Focus & Deepening Connection
- Reducing Overwhelm over the Sales Process
- Increasing Memory of Customer Facts
- Improving Health & Happiness
Eric Szymanski is a C-Suite Network Advisor and an award-winning co-author of Sell More, Stress Less: 52 Tips to Become a Mindful Sales Professional. Learn more about his work at www.MindfulSalesTraining.com. He is an American hospitality industry professional with extensive sales & marketing leadership experience. Eric has demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams through planning, implementing and monitoring actionable sales and marketing plans at hotels and resorts of all sizes, including city-center, convention district, airport, and attractions areas. He has a proven track record of success at all levels through the achievement of both individual and team goals for several 1st tiers, globally recognized brands such as Disney, Marriott, Hilton & Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Throughout his career, Eric has created authentic, world-class experiences while volunteering at all levels in several meetings industry associations. In 2018, Eric was recognized with the top individual sales award in the convention sales division at The Walt Disney Company. In 2002, he was recognized as Caterer of the Year by the Orlando, Florida Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives. He is an avid runner, choral music performer & father of twin daughters who entered college in the fall of 2019.