It's not uncommon for someone to ask for MLM selling tips.
The person asking usually has no prior sales experience and the very thought of selling causes them to break out in a cold sweat.
I know, I've been there.
It can be darn scary if you've never sold anything in your life.
That's the bad news.
The good news…. it doesn't have to be scary at all if you do it right.
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MLM Selling Tips: Don't be the Skeevy Appliance Salesman
Let me tell you a story.
My wife, Rosemary and I are doing some minor renovations on our kitchen and we're replacing all our appliances.
So naturally we went appliance shopping.
As we entered Store #1, a discount appliance chain store we could see all the salesmen's eyes darting towards us, like we were fresh meat.
We were not 10 feet into the store when one of the salesman approached us.
We explained that we were just starting our appliance research and just needed some time to look around.
The salesman followed us everywhere we went, trying to sell us on the more expensive models and steer us away from the basic, less expensive appliances.
I mean, this guy was on top of us like bees on honey.
We again explained that we just wanted to be left alone to browse, but he wouldn't have it.
He continued his relentless circle of presenting and convincing until finally, we could stand no more.
We left without accepting his business card.
MLM Selling Tips: Make Your Prospect Feel Safe
Next stop was Store #2, a small town Mom and Pop appliance store near our home.
What a different experience.
As we entered, one of the salesman greeted us with a smile and casually walked over.
He asked what our needs were and told us to browse around, take our time and to let him know if we needed any assistance.
Wow! What a difference in shopping experience.
We had a few questions — he came over quickly, answered our questions and then stood off to the side again as we continued to view our options.
We had a few more questions.
Again, he answered them professionally and honestly, and even steered us towards a lower priced appliance that more closely fit our needs.
We felt safe, secure, relaxed and most importantly… like someone LISTENED TO US.
Here's the amazing part — even though the prices at the Mom and Pop store were slightly higher than the discount chain store, we gladly ordered all our appliances at the place that provided the better shopping experience.
What Does This Mean for your MLM Business?
You don't have to be a pressure salesperson; in fact, you probably won't make many sales this way.
People are turned off by the skeevy salesman of the world.
Think of it this way…
Have you ever talked to someone who just got way too close when speaking?
On Seinfeld, he called these people “close talkers.”
What's your natural instinct when someone gets too close.
If you're like me, it's to back up.
And THAT is the natural response people get to a salesperson who gets in your face and sticks to you like glue.
Repel.
The Best of my MLM Selling Tips
Be like the salesperson at the Mom and Pop store…. be respectful of your client's needs.
LISTEN TO THEM.
POINT THEM in the right direction and let them come back with questions.
It's less stress for them… and definitely less stress FOR YOU as the salesperson.
If they walk out of your “store” without buying, let it be because they just didn't want or need your product.
Don't let it be because you were the Skeevy Salesman.
Your Turn
Have any skeevy salesman experiences you can share?
How did it make you feel?
What are YOUR best MLM selling tips?
22 replies to "MLM Selling Tips: Don’t be the Skeevy Appliance Salesman"
Hi Bob,
It’s nice to be here. I’m coming over from Adrienne Smith’s 42 blogs worth mentioning pdf. I’m so trilled she gave us this information of valuable blogs. She’s great and I visit her blog often. It’s a pleasure reading and commenting on good content. You learn so much and make good friends too.
I remember when I went to this car dealership and I got so turned off when the skeevy sales man met us right in the parking lot! I mean we didn’t even get a chance to walk in the dealership. If feel like if we did we probably would have gotten raided by a bunch of skeevy sales men. This was a very uncomfortable situation and we just told the sales man that if we needed anything we would let him know.
I believe in having people asking for good valuable free information and having people decide what they want with no hard sell. There is nothing wrong with following up at least you are dealing with a true prospect that you know is interested rather than marketing cold.
Terry Conti
Welcome, Terry… I love Adrienne as well. She is a terrific blogger and a really nice person.
I’m honored to call her my friend.
Your experience with car salesmen is common, unfortunately. I’ve had similar experiences and will only buy from someone who doesn’t pressure me.
People are smart! They can make decisions when they are given the proper information. As you said, followup is a part of business but done the right way.
Thanks for your comment.
I know the feeling when you want somebody out from you and he keeps going back and convinces you for something you’re not really interested to. It’s not being nice. Endorsing a product doesn’t have to be like that. You need for the right moment to approach them nicely. Thanks for sharing this article, Bob.
You’re welcome! Selling when done correctly doesn’t need to feel “skeevy”.
Some of the most successful marketers I know do it the right way.
It is very important for your prospect to feel safe and secure when you are offering them something. Prospects or customers want to be sure that you will be able to give them safe products and products that have the quality that you promise. It is a common nature for humans to be skeptic about new things so learn a way or two on how you can get past that and make a sale
Very true, John.
Hi Bob,
Haha, this is really happening in real life. Indeed, people are turned off because of the ‘skeevy’ attitude. I’m a freelancer, not a business man but these pointers you shared are awesome. This is a must read if you’re a businessman.
Cheers,
Rudy Turner
Appreciate the kind words, Rudy… I think we can apply these principles to many areas of our lives.
Hi Dr. Bob,
Thank you for sharing your experiences. You got it right when you termed those salesman as “Skeevy”. I’ve got the same experience too and I’m telling you, they are really very annoying. In mind I was like killing the guy already. Lol.
-Pete Ross
LOL Pete… don’t resort to that! Just walk away, man!
Hello Bob,
very interesting tips and right to the point. I have had many salesman experiences like the one you described. I think most sales people were I live are like that: they follow you around and keep asking if they can help with something. Most of the time I just try to get out of there as soon as possible.
My mom had a bad experience when two ladies were trying to sell her a very expensive vacuum cleaner and they insisted on presenting it. They did a half hour demonstration and when my mom didn’t want to buy it, they got really angry and started calling her names.
It seems that the elderly are particularly ripe targets for these kind of “salespeople”, Mariella.
It’s a shame. I haven’t run into one person who read this post that said they responded well to this tactic.
Most abhor it, like we do.
Sorry for your mom’s experience.
Hi bob; Another good post my mam. Just yesterday I experienced the good side of sales. I was contacted by an old friend who now works for an internet marketing firm. she told me about their product and how it could help me. when i expressed my belief that I couldn’t afford the service even though I could see the benefits, she didn’t get all high pressure. she offered to call me back in 60 days, and i agreed and actually meant it. I get lots of calls from website creators and search engine marketers, but this is one of the few i enjoyed. and to think she learned her technique working the fishy fishy game on a midway. The more it feels like I’m being contacted by a high pressure boiler room salesperson, the quicker i hang up on them. smile good advice, max
Isn’t it refreshing when we get a salesperson who knows what they’re doing and actually makes it a pleasant experience, Max?
Unfortunately, I’m afraid they’re in the minority. Perhaps they should read about Attraction Marketing! 🙂
This is a bit of marketing advice that anyone in business can take. I understand that some people work on commission and everyone wants to make the sale, but being pushy and annoying is NOT the way to do it. With all the talk about “value”, you’d think people would start to clue in. If you can be a valuable asset to your customers then price is less of an issue. I’m the same kind of person – give me good service and I’ll pay more for it any day!
I understand it, too Carol. But there are salespeople out there doing it the right way and making a good living, so I know it can be done.
I think skeevy is faster and easier… to them, its a numbers game. I detest that tactic in all forms of marketing.
Thanks for the comment!
Hey Bob,
Fabulous advice and I totally 100% agree with you because I’m the same way. The only difference between you and me is that I would have told that first salesman that if he doesn’t back off, I’ll make a point of making my final purchase in another store. I know, I’m kind of bad in that way. Little miss bubbly over here doesn’t put up with much. I learned from a master, my Dad! 🙂
Wonderful advice and just dead on. Help your prospects with what they need and they’ll always come back to you.
Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend Bob.
~Adrienne
I’ll bet you’re a tough one, Adrienne…. I wouldn’t want to get on your bad side! 🙂
But seriously, there are much better ways to relate to people (as you do) that will ultimately result in more sales and more commissions.
It just takes longer and most don’t want to take the time.
Great advice Bob. This is something I struggle with as I blur the lines between follow up and “harassing” I get frustrated when people need what I am offering and they end up like a deer in headlights. I am going to use your book you sent to me to help people find the money to buy my products. (53 ways to find money to start your MLM business) Thanks for sharing that book with me.:-)
You’re welcome, Wade! Glad it helped.
Have patience, my friend…. success will follow when your heart is in the right place.
Great post, Bob. There are always those that fall for the skeevy appliance salesmen, and then there are places you go, know what you want, and noone is around to answer your questions. I agree, that no matter what your niche is, peolple want to look around some, and know someone is close by to answer their questions; gently leading them to what they really want or need, instead of being pushed into something that is not a fit for them.
I think we all like that, Larry. It’s funny what you say about the places where NO ONE is around to help.
This also happened to us in our search for appliances… one store had what we wanted but we couldn’t find anyone to help us so we left.
I was going to include it in the post but it ran long as is.
Appreciate you stopping by, Larry.