I had to mute my own microphone on a discovery call today just to stop myself from interrupting the prospect's thought process. Its wild how the most profitable sales skill isn't knowing the perfect pitch but having the discipline to sit in awkward silence until the buyer speaks. Are you comfortable letting dead air hang on a call or do you constantly rush to fill the quiet moments?

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The power of pause is your friend. You need to force yourself to wait while they think. It’s incredibly hard on the phone but I’ve seen people blow this in person too. Things I’ve seen to watch out for:

Telling the customer what you know instead of asking if it’s right

Answering questions you or someone asks the client while they’re thinking about it.

Interrupting the pause with a way out… EG “it’s ok if you’re not able to tell me… “

It’s hard but if you can avoid this pitfall you’ll notice your relationships improve but also your numbers. Many times a customer has sold themselves during the quiet period, if you let them.

I always think of it as thinking silence instead of awkward silence.

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I love it when they sell themselves on the product before a in-depth conversation has begun. I know I am guilty of doing this as a customer and I just need the push to move forward

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Our culture is too quick to assume dead air needs to be filled. Good you’ve noticed that in yourself and found a method of control.

likeuplifting

It is challenging when one's thoughts are racing as I tend to over analyze and articulate ideas before fully consolidating my message. I have dedicated significant effort to developing a reflective pause allowing me to gather my thoughts and formulate clearer, more concise communications.

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The silence in between words is what sells products and services. That’s why most people struggle. I used to have the same awkwardness during my early career until I learned that the silence:

1. Demonstrates your patience.
2. Gives you the time to truly listen what’s not being communicated by sounds & words.
3. Gives you the time to prepare your response.
4. Conveys your confidence to handle a situation.

100% agree. Learning to sit comfortably in that awkward silence is where the actual selling happens. Great reminder that sometimes the best pitch is saying nothing at all

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