In the last article, we discussed the difference between asking questions and probing. When you are asking a question, (Point #2) you are gathering information. Our next point # 3 is probing. Why should we probe? You need to qualify a customer and identify their needs, wants, and desires. Identifying customer needs, wants, and desires is what leads to the sale. Most likely, you will not be able to do this by fact-finding only. You must find out more than just the basic information. Probing is the art of becoming your company's private detective salesman. We want to build on this premise. A private detective salesman has to dig and assess the following:
1. Discover what kind of computers, scanners, printers, and
equipment the potential customer needs for the present and for
the future.
2. What size and type of computers, scanners, printers, and equipment
are they using?
3. Are they happy with the present system?
4. Have they been planning for future growth in their budget?
5. Are they happy with their present computer and service company?
6. This is key. You need to be observant when you are on location to
see what employees think of their present system.
7. Evaluate the location and try and visit with people, in order to
get free information.
8. Can you and your company be competitive with your products and
services?
9. You need to build a case for you and your company.
10. You need to do your very best to get to the bottom line and truth
about their needs.
There is much more we can add to this list, but you get the picture of what we need to get done, as sales people. The most important part of probing is to building your case for your product, service, and company. At the same time, you build a business relationship with the buyer. Let's look at a simple question from the sales person and the response from the customer or buyer and then, a probing question from the sales person:
Question
"What kind of computer equipment do you use here at your
business?"
Customer
"We have hp pavilionmx50 computer systems."
Probing by the sales person
"Do you feel that the computers are adequate for your present
business needs?"
"Also, are you planning for the future?"
Important Warning:
Do not present your product and service when you are asking questions and probing. You must wait! The next step, which is called 'The Presentation' is Point Four of The Sales Cycle. The Presentation is where you show your knowledge of their needs and knowledge of your company's products and services. This is where you build your case as to why they should buy from you, and use your service company to maintain their equipment. Remember to listen for the free information that the customer will give you. Show the customer that you were listening when they were explaining their needs, wants, and desires, by fulfilling their wishes.
Occupation: Sales Management
I was born in the Ghetto. Of course, it was not by choice. Let me tell you some of my story of how I went from the Ghetto to my MBA.
I was born on the eastside of San Jose, California, USA. I hated people for most of my young life. I had a mother who was never home. My father left my mother when I was 6 months old, and I had no contact with him. Because of my sad circumstances, I joined a gang called the Blue Jackets. Later on, I became the president of the gang, staying in it until I was eighteen years old. I was involved in five gang wars by the time I was fourteen years old. In one of the gang fights, I lost my best friend, Hector Lopez. I will never forget his name because he took a knife that was supposed to go into my body. In another fight, I was hit on the head with a bottle that knocked me out cold. There was a lot of pain for me in those days. I was taken to Juvenile Hall for the first time at nine years of age, and I was in and out at least twenty times before I hit eighteen.
At that time in my life, I started to realize that there was something wrong with my life. During this time, I met a girl by the name of Beverly, who was from the other side of the tracks. She helped me to realize that I needed a change in my life, so I decided to go into the U.S. Army. My enlistment really helped me grow up and see things in a different light. During this time, Beverly and I got married and we had a son and daughter. To this day, we have been happily married. When I was in the Army, I did get my GED. I have always been a hard and ambitious worker, so when I left the Army, I immediately got my first job delivering milk to homes. Yes, I was a milkman! As a milkman, I had the time to go back to school and then college.
I worked my way up the ladder with a few companies, going from a sales person to the GM/CEO of First Choice Services, a consumer products company. In May 27 of 1996, I got my BBA and in May of 2000, I received my MBA.
As a business consultant, I have had the privilege of working with some companies internationally, as I really enjoy working with people from other cultures. I have learned so much from friends that we have in Japan, Australia, the U.K., The Philippines, Korea, and Costa Rica, just to mention a few.
Presently, I am a Business Consultant for One Cup International Consulting Group. My background in sales, sales management, and operations provide strong organizational credentials.
I have over 20 years experience as an employee and consultant with such companies as: Langendorf Bread, Coffee Systems, Inc., Bobart Consulting, Inc., San Jose Chamber of Commerce, Turning Point Programs, Majordomo Services, Inc., First Choice Services (a division of Daiohs, Inc.), Associated Services, F. Gavina and Sons, Inc., Take a Break Service, Lindsey Coffee Company, and at the present time, One Cup International Consulting Group.
My goal as a business consultant has always been to help companies build their sales, management, and marketing teams and/or reorganize their business, so they can make a profit or improve their bottom line. As a team player, I work with management and operations to get the best results.
Finally, let me say that I am looking for a new career that will both reward me inwardly in my personal growth, and financially. I am a very active person. As a business consultant, I find that I have too much time on my hands. I want to be more actively involved, helping grow a sales staff or a business, by using my many skills. As you can see from my opening statements, I have endured much in my life, but out of lemons, I’ve decided to make lemonade.
I am available for sales and management seminars. Also, I would be glad to do seminars for any organization, to reach young people, in order to help them get out of the ghetto and poverty. I require a small honorarium, plus traveling expenses.