Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize you’re being sold to? That moment when a casual conversation shifts into a sales pitch, leaving you defensive and disengaged? You’re not alone. Many people experience this, and it’s a clear sign that traditional sales tactics are outdated and ineffective.
But what if there was a different way? A way to close deals that focuses on building genuine connections and understanding human buying psychology instead of relying on aggressive persuasion. Over the years, I’ve refined a human-centered approach to sales that has transformed the way I close deals. Let me show you how it works.
The old-school approach to sales emphasizes pitching, handling objections, and creating urgency to close the deal. While this might have worked in the past, today’s buyers are more informed and skeptical, making these tactics less effective.
Buyers today value authenticity and autonomy. They can spot sales tactics a mile away, and instead of being persuaded, they often feel alienated. These methods:
To thrive in today’s sales environment, it’s essential to embrace a strategy that respects the buyer’s intelligence and autonomy. This means building relationships, fostering trust, and providing value without pushing for the sale.
A human-centered sales strategy is all about building trust and rapport while understanding the nuances of nurturing a relationship. It’s about listening more than talking and focusing on genuine connection.
The first step is creating a meaningful connection. This involves:
Once trust is established, it becomes easier to demonstrate your expertise and position yourself as a credible, helpful resource.
Nurturing a relationship requires patience and attentiveness. Instead of rushing to close a deal, focus on understanding the prospect’s needs and providing valuable insights or assistance. This positions you as a trusted advisor, not just another salesperson.
Only after trust is established do people feel comfortable sharing their challenges or asking for advice. This is when you’ve “earned the right” to offer a solution.
“Emotional permission” is the moment when a prospect feels open to discussing your product or service. Pitching before reaching this point often results in resistance, so earning this permission is crucial.
To gain emotional permission, focus on:
Once you’ve achieved this, your prospects will be more receptive to your pitch and much more likely to convert.
The human approach to sales is a game-changer. By respecting your prospect’s intelligence, building genuine connections, and earning emotional permission, you can close deals without the need for outdated, pushy tactics.
Stop trying to pitch to as many people as possible. Focus on being truly effective with the few. Embrace the human-centered approach, and watch your sales success soar.
Take the first step toward a more effective and fulfilling sales strategy. Start focusing on building trust, fostering connections, and earning the right to sell—and see how the human approach transforms your results.
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