The financial services industry is continuously evolving, and it is essential to optimize collections strategies to maintain liquidity and minimize risk. One of the most critical choices for credit un...
Between budget constraints and employees performing multiple functions, it can be difficult for financial institution staff to feel confident and prepared when speaking to members and explaining financial products. Here are some proven tips to help your institution's employees feel more self-assured, speak more knowledgeably, and recognize the right products for each member.
1. Get past “no”
When members say no, ask open-ended questions to find out why they object and what needs your product doesn't meet. Your genuine interest in helping them might be enough to make them reconsider. If nothing else, you'll learn some objections you must overcome in your next sales discussion.
2. Making the “second effort”
During your second discussion or meeting with a prospect, be sure to relate the discussion back to your first meeting. Prove that you remember what the prospect said last time and highlight additional product benefits. This is the perfect way to see if the member has any additional questions or concerns that you may be able to overcome to complete the sale.
3. The importance of preparation
There's no such thing as being too prepared. Before every presentation, you should prepare with various points to outline to the member, so that you can be ready to reference those points during the presentation.
4. Don’t just sell features and benefits\
Take time to understand your prospects and their financial situations. Demonstrate how your institution's products will protect their assets and make their lives easier. Don't just speak about random features of the product that don't fit your prospects' goals.
5. Create “member loyalty”
The best salesperson is one that is not on your company's payroll. Use the experiences and comments of satisfied members to show prospects the benefits they'll enjoy if they, too, become members and customers.
6. Explain consequences of going without your products
Think about and explain what would happen if the member did not purchase adequate financial protection products. For example, owing on an auto loan after a car is totaled is something most borrowers wish to avoid.
7. Use statistics
Few things are more compelling than cold, hard facts with numbers. Research statistics on the likelihood of theft, accidents, and other events that your members could face; then explain how your institution's products protect against the financial effects.
8. It’s not your wallet!
Many products may sound expensive to you but not to members. Do not hesitate or avoid talking about a product due to your feeling that the price is too high. Allow members to decide their own price ranges and what value they find in the product, then alter the products to fit their budgets.
9. Use visuals to get the sale
Graphs, charts, and infographics are great ways to convince members of your products' value. Use visual aids to highlight benefits and your most important points, and use posters and other media to remind members about all the products you sell. Prospects will be more likely to pay attention and retain information if they see and hear it.
10. Is it no or they just don’t know
Sometimes a perfect prospect doesn't want to take the time to listen and just says, "no." Ask the prospect open-ended questions to determine if your product would be a good fit, then explain the product's benefit in a single phrase or sentence.
11. Don't talk yourself out of a sale
Explain the product as clearly, directly, and succinctly as possible. If the prospect has agreed, simply stop talking, reassure your prospect's decision, and get started!
12. Gain confidence through consistency
When you find a sales practice that works, keep using it. Consistency is key to doing anything well, including making sales.
13. Presentation is everything
Consider the impression you'll make on somebody meeting you for the first time. Make sure you are organized, informed, and prepared. You want prospects to recognize you as a knowledgeable professional before you even speak.
14. If you make a mistake, apologize and correct it as soon as you notice
We all misspeak and make mistakes. As soon as you realize you made a mistake, acknowledge it, apologize, and correct the error so you can get the focus back on your member's needs and how your products meet those needs.
15. Smile
If you're not legitimately excited about your products, it's hard to imagine a prospective member will be. Smile and show enthusiasm—it’s priceless and costs nothing.
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