Did I Just Say That Out Loud?

Have you ever been in a situation where you said something with the intention of being funny or sounding intelligent and it didn’t work? And not only did it not work but when you said it, prior to the dead silence, you heard the sound of the record player needle scratching its way across the vinyl?

I know I have and it was if the words were floating out in front of me and when I tried to grab them with my hands and put them back in my mouth they eluded me like the cotton leaves off  a summer dandelion.

Salespeople have to be careful not to get too comfortable during the sale (by the way, this also applies to conducting yourself properly in an interview). It’s very easy once a relationship established and a certain comfort level is reached to let down your guard. I’ve been in situations where the person on the other side of the table got so comfortable they actually dropped a couple of four letter words. This kind of lapse in focus can cost you a sale and perhaps even your job. Elinor Stutz at the Smooth Sale Blog has a lot of great ideas to help you navigate and conduct your sales etiquette and activity.

I know it sounds like a “no-duh”, but even the smoothest of orators will open up their mouth and unintentionally insert their foot from time to time. Here is a great lesson on staying focused in the moment.

Whether it’s in a sales meeting, a job interview or a networking event it’s important to have fun and be yourself. Just don’t get too comfortable.

Comments

[Shirley]

Cory---over time I've developed a 2-second lag time when I'm on a sales call or a client visit, sort of like they have in radio to keep bad things from hitting the airwaves. It doesn't always work but it's the best tool I've found for checking my words "at the door." My philosophy, "if in doubt, don't (say it)!

[Cory Garrison]

That's a great idea Shirley. I believe that also helps you be a better and more active listener. Great suggestion!

-Cory