Soft Selling Skills

Many people are completely resistant to the idea of selling - but in fact, when you look at it another way, those same people can be really good at getting others to accept their ideas and suggestions...

'Selling' can conjure up ideas of 'foot-in-the-door' suitcase carrying individuals who won't take 'no' for an answer.

This is an old fashioned and unreal stereotype, and when introduced to the idea of soft selling, most employees can see that it's often something they already do, with customers or colleagues...

Soft Selling Skills Workshop Content

Overcoming fear and anxiety

To some, suggesting they include some form of selling in their role will immediately create fear or anxiety - so this has to be dealt with first, before any progress can be made...

What does soft selling mean?

The idea of 'selling' is unattractive to many, particularly those who work in the public or voluntary sectors. Indeed many will say they entered these sectors to avoid being commercially focused.

Such objections tend to be focused on a combination of lack of motivation and lack of skill; but the concept of 'soft selling', when explained, can be much more acceptable, even appealing...

Why is it important?

To some extent, we all 'sell' - through the impact we have on others; and every organisation needs its staff to create a positive impression on its customers and stakeholders.

So even if staff are not involved in 'shop-style' selling, it seems worthwhile to pay some attention to how staff interactions can encourage support, donations, and a positive reputation...

How to soft sell

What's involved in soft selling; the key stages to reassuringly follow, and the necessary skills, which many staff already have, but do not use... yet.

How to create a positive impression

Creating and maintaining a positive impression boils down to three key behaviours, represented by the letters L,S,A. All three are under each individual's control, so anyone can be very successful in making a positive impact.

Likeability, credibility & affinity

3 foundations to establishing and maintaining powerful, positive relationship bonds with others.

Currencies

We all have currencies: ways we prefer to behave, communicate and live. For example, someone can prefer information to be presented visually, rather than through text; or someone may prefer to start with a 'big picture view' rather than the detail. Soft selling includes identifying someone else's preferred currency, then matching it...