Mastering the Art of Overcoming Sales Objections
Have you ever been caught off guard during a sales call when an objection pops up? How could someone possibly turn down your offer, right? It’s the best out there because it’s yours! Don’t worry, everyone’s been there before. Objections are a normal part of sales, and they can often make us doubt our product or service. But believe it or not, objections can be helpful (more on that in a bit). In this piece, we’ll help you become a pro at handling objections.
People object for various reasons, and understanding these can help you overcome them and close more sales. Objections usually fall into one of five categories, each needing a different approach. But first, you need to change how you see objections. Think of objections as air bubbles in a sinking ship; they point out small cracks before they become bigger problems. Each objection gives you a chance to fix a leak and make your offer stronger.
It’s important to remember that objections aren’t just roadblocks—they’re insights from your target audience about how you can improve or better position your offer. So, put your ego aside and really listen to what your prospects are saying. Sales are like baseball; you get another chance, and you need to keep improving with each one.
With time and practice, you can avoid most objections in advance. However, objections will still come up. Here’s how you can be prepared. First, not everyone is going to buy from you, and that’s okay. Make “If you can’t help someone, don’t sell to someone” your new motto. If the timing isn’t right, or your offer doesn’t fit, plan for a follow-up instead.
Now, let’s address the most common sales objections. If someone thinks your price is too high, you haven’t shown them the value (that’s on you). Shift the conversation from price to value—show them the return on investment (ROI). Price then becomes a minor detail. Ask your prospect questions to uncover their needs so you can highlight how your offer meets those needs.
Sometimes, prospects might be uncertain or think they need someone else’s opinion. You’re the one with the information they need to make a decision. Ask questions and listen actively to understand their real concerns.
If a prospect says they need more time or approval from others, you might not have qualified them properly. Ask thoughtful questions and try to set up a call with the decision-makers while you’re still on the phone with them.
Also, if they mention they’re already working with another vendor, don’t lose hope. Ask them about their pain points with the current vendor and highlight how your solution is different and better.
If they say they’re too busy, it usually means they don’t see the importance. Ask them questions that help them realize the urgency and value of your offer.
Facing objections can be good. It helps you improve your sales skills and strengthen your offer. Stay curious, don’t get defensive, and keep learning from each objection. By understanding why people object, you can turn those objections into opportunities for improvement.