Friday, October 21, 2011

Timeframe - ASAP?

Today, I had a short but an interesting one to one session with my boss. We were discussing the particulars and possibilities of my deals coming in for this month from my sales pipeline. Did I mention; that My boss is the coolest everrrrr!! I love talking to my boss...[:)] Every time I put the receiver down after I speak with my boss- I've learnt something new... And today was no different! Since, the focus was on the deals that I could close for this month...I was facing some issues with committing the numbers for the current month and that's not because I wasn't confident on closing the sale. But, I didn't have a realistic timeframe of the buyers (prospect's) purchase process. 


Wait!! Didn't I get this information during my 1st qualification call with the prospect? Yes, I did...I have a very strict qualification routine that I follow... But yet, I get this unrealistic responses. (i.e, Do you have a specific time-frame to purchase this solution?? Ans:- Yeah!! ASAP...)


ASAP? Yeah, rite... don't be fooled or get excited with these responses....Trust me!! These ASAP's will take more time than you had ever imagined...Well! At least, that's what is happening with Me. [:-/]


Seeing this problem, My boss gave me a suggestion - which is working out quite well for me! and is worthwhile, to be sharing this post! and There has been a long gap since my previous post too...Anyways, Here it goes!! 


So the next time you ask your prospect about the timeline for the purchase or implementation and they give you such responses like - ASAP, Immediately and etc.... Ask them - Mr. Prospect, My understanding of ASAP or Immediately is within the next 24-48 hours...What's yours?? This way - we've probed our way to much more realistic and accurate information! 


And the rest is history!!! [:D]


Keep Closing!