Sell by creating trust

Several selling coaches and gurus stand behind a basic approach to selling that's built on trust and can be applied to any sales situation.

I recommend: Enroll in a basic sales formula training seminar from Zig Ziglar, who's world-renowned for his motivational selling seminars.

Sell through relationship building

Rather than high-pressure sales, this technique relies on forming relationships with your clients. Present what you're offering as a solution or support to your customer's needs rather than as a costly acquisition. Relationship selling is ideal for consulting or service-based businesses. It can also work for a product-based business in a competitive industry where developing a relationship could be what differentiates you from your competition.

I recommend: The Cathcart Institute provides an email course, audio seminars, DVDs and books on relationship selling. Mitchell Selling Dynamics offers two-day seminars that are also available on audio CDs. Relationship selling requires frequent customer contact; NetSuite is CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software that can help you stay in contact with your clients.

Sell to your best marks

This sales technique involves focusing your sales efforts solely on those prospects who offer the highest probability of a sale. High-probability prospects are those who need your product or service, want it and can afford it. If a prospect doesn't meet these three criteria, you don't spend time chasing the sale.

I recommend: Send your sales team to training workshops from High Probability Selling or download an MP3 to listen in on a high-probability selling workshop.

Sell yourself as a consultant

The logic behind this technique is that you promote yourself as an expert in a field and serve as a consultant to the customer. With this technique, your product or service may not always be the best solution for the customer. However, in most cases it provides a foot in the door and a way to build trust.

I recommend: Enroll in phone seminars by consultative sales guru Dave Kahle or take advantage of traveling seminars and on-site consultations from Results Unlimited. Everest Training also provides workshops and coaching in the discipline.

Empower your customer

This trademarked sales approach involves asking relevant questions, focusing on solutions and changing your pitch to fit the situation. Rather than attempting to sell to your prospects, the idea is to empower buyers to solve problems, achieve goals and satisfy needs.

I recommend: Customer Centric Selling offers seminars and training worldwide.

Get help

If you aren't sure which sales system or technique works for your business, hire a firm that can assess your needs and customize a program to fit.

I recommend: Baker Communications offers customized programs and assessments for small businesses.