Five Simple Ways to Start the Closing Process

You have reached a point in the sales process with a prospective client to move to the end game. What happens now? How do you get permission to move on? Here are five simple techniques to keep the momentum up to get the business to the sign up stage.

1.Implied Consent

Implied consent makes it easy for people to buy. When the interview has reached the point where you believe the prospect considers your proposition or offer a logical and desirable answer for their problem, why insist on an admission that they are ready to buy?

Implied consent simply takes it for granted that the sale is made

Implied consent simply takes it for granted that the sale is made. If the person does not indicate otherwise – it is made!

However, if they don’t go along with the assumption that the sale is made, the interview is not necessarily over. You simply continue with the presentation.

One of the easiest ways to use implied consent is to start filling out the application form. Begin with the questions, which the person can answer easily and is least likely to object to: “Now, Mr. Prospect, let me get some information from you. What is your home address? How long have you lived there?” If they don’t stop you, you’ve made a sale!

2. Decision on a Minor Point

By getting the person’s decision on a series of minor points, it’s much easier for them to make the one big decision. Buying $500,000 of life insurance can be a big decision for many people. Minor decisions include:

• Agreeing to have an examination
• Selecting the plan of insurance
• Naming a beneficiary

Are you giving your potential client a chance to make decisions on minor points?

Do you get them to agree that they could save so many dollars a year, that this is a good plan, to name a beneficiary, that there is a hazard in delaying, on the method of premium payment, to see a doctor, and to write a check for the first premium?

Using this technique starts a chain reaction of small decisions that can easily and logically lead to the big decision without once having to ask the big question.

3. The Loaded Alternative

Here, the prospective client is given a choice between two minor decisions. Whichever decision they make closes the sale. Use questions like:

• “Mr. Johnson, would you prefer to make your deposits once or twice a year?”
• Would you prefer to see Dr. Jones or Dr. Smith?”
• “Would you like to have your examination at the doctor’s office or would you prefer to have him come to your home?”
• Would you want to leave this for your wife on deposit at interest, or would you prefer to have it on a definite monthly payment plan?”

4. Start an Action

Here are some questions that will start actions:

• “Mr. Prospect, how do you spell your middle name?” (This is an easy question to ask – but it starts an action the prospect will have to stop, if they aren’t going to buy.)
• “May I sit here at the table and fill out this application?”
• “Is it OK to phone from here to arrange the Medical Officer to visit you tomorrow?’
• “Whom do I talk to at your former employers to get your super rollover details?”
• “Can you confirm your TFN for me, please?”

5. The Take-Away

People hate to pass up bargains. The fear of losing out is a powerful motivating force. Urge the prospective client to act now before the opportunity to secure a bargain or unique chance is gone.

The fear of losing out is a powerful motivating force

• “On June 30 this investment opportunity closes for this tax year. I assume you want to get the benefits of this investment into the current tax year?”
• “Mr. Prospect, the day after tomorrow the premium rate will go up because you have an age change at that time. For insurance purposes, you will be a year older.”
• “We know you are in good health today, but what about tomorrow? Let me make sure you can apply now while you’re in robust health.

Back to Adviser Focus Main Page…