top words and phrases to avoid in sales by zariq siddiqui

TOP WORDS AND PHRASES TO AVOID IN

SALESBy Zariq Siddiqui

 Top Words and Phrases to Avoid in Sales

Having spent many years as a sales manager with the healthcare company, Abbott Laboratories Inc., and having participated in a variety of skill development workshops and training opportunities, Zariq Siddiqui has developed a precise, effective sales vocabulary. 

While key words and phrases used in sales conversations vary depending on the product or service, certain expressions are best avoided at all times:

 Top Words and Phrases to Avoid in Sales

1. “Minute” This highly specific word can create an unrealistic impression in a customer’s mind of how long a sales conversation or pitch will last, and can lead to resistance if the time limit is exceeded. The more flexible term, “moment,” is usually a more effective choice.

 Top Words and Phrases to Avoid in Sales

2. “May I/I would like to…” While these phrases generally signify politeness and good manners in social encounters, they create difficulties in a sales situation. They put the speaker in the disadvantageous position of one asking for permission. An ideal sales conversation begins with the seller speaking from a position of knowledge and authority instead.

Top Words and Phrases to Avoid in Sales

3. “Buy” This is an unhelpful word in sales vocabulary. It immediately turns a potential customer’s thoughts to money and the incurring of an expense rather than to the overall value and long-term benefits of the product or service on offer.