Due to the ever-changing needs of the current times, many businesses have shifted their sales approaches to virtual methods. If you belong to your company’s sales team, you’re probably used to meeting up with your prospect for some in-person discussions and presentations. However, virtual meetings have become a norm and have somehow replaced face-to-face interactions. Because many companies have realized the convenience it brings, you now face the challenge of brushing up your virtual sales pitching skills.
One common mistake many sales commit is applying the same approach with virtual and face-to-face sales pitches. Although there are similarities in the meeting’s goals and stages, there should be modifications to how you’ll deliver an engaging online pitch. So, it makes sense that you improvise your sales pitching tactics should there be limitations and possible distractions during online meetings.
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Here are some tips on how to make your virtual sales pitch more engaging:
1. Break The IceÂ
Many office managers often think of practical ways to break the ice and apply fun virtual events for work when meeting internally with your team. This is known to be an effective way to boost conversation among participants. The same concept should apply when you have an external meeting with your clients or prospects. In addition to strengthening ties between participants, icebreakers can also reduce tension. By devising some short activities like figuring out some conversation starters, the meeting will be less awkward, reducing dead air.
Effective salespeople use icebreakers to get the conversation started with prospects. You want to keep prospects from being defensive by letting them talk about themselves with an effective icebreaker. This encourages them to build their confidence around you and makes them feel more at ease and less guarded. When you shift the attention to the prospect, you can effectively distract them by stopping them from thinking of how badly you want to seal the deal.
2. Use The Storytelling TechniqueÂ
One great strategy to improve your pitch is to use the storytelling approach. You shouldn’t dwell too much on product benefits and features. The best way is to share a relatable story or experience that will pique their interest and curiosity. Today’s marketing begins with an emotional story with a substantial impact on prospects, which can be very effective as a sales tool.
Use emotions as leverage to keep your story engaging. It is an excellent way to demonstrate how your products and services solve real-life problems and target prospects with real-life scenarios. However, there are essential elements of the story that you should follow and keep in sequence. You need to present a problem, explain how your product or brand solved it, and finally explain the positive results of the situation.
3. Use Visuals Â
Human beings are usually visual creatures, so it would be valuable to conduct a sales pitch through the support of visuals. There are ways to create engaging virtual presentations to keep your prospects interested. When you use software presentation tools, try to insert as many graphics, pictures, and figures as opposed to bulk texts. Your participants will be more engaged when they see something they can understand better.
4. Keep Your Pitch Short And ConciseÂ
Create pitches as short and as straightforward as possible. You may have lengthy information, but chances are you have a time limit to convey it. Hence, it’s essential to make the most of every second you have. Keep your presentation organized and in sequence, and don’t forget to insert a Q&A at the end.
You can accommodate prospective clients more efficiently by providing more detailed information in the Q&A portion. You’ll also be able to hear their honest thoughts and opinions. From there, you can assess your chances of closing the sale. Another strategy is to inform your attendees that they can politely interrupt your presentation should they have questions regarding your presentation. This allows you to fix their concerns and eliminate confusion right away.
5. Support Your Pitch With DataÂ
Your sales pitch can improve significantly by using valuable data. You can prove your claims by supporting them with evidence. Your attendees may already trust your brand, but keeping them in the same boat will require you to exert extra effort. This is when data become crucial. Respond to that question right away, and then demonstrate its validity throughout the meeting. The goal of your presentation should be to inspire, educate, and empower your audience.
ConclusionÂ
Virtual meetings have undoubtedly become a mainstay for many businesses today. Thus, it’s crucial to brush up on your virtual sales pitching skills in no time. Hopefully, with the tips and pointers shared in this article, you can improve your pitch and start converting more sales through online meetings.