Closing the Deal and the Audience of One
In a sales presentation, you need to know who the decision maker is. And if you’re going to succeed, you must get that right.
I have been in situations where I have presented to a room filled with people but I also understood that ultimately, the decision maker would make that call by himself. In a room of 20 people the opinion of one trumped the 19. Had I not known it, I would have missed the mark on my presentation.
Next time you need to make a compelling case for an idea, or a product, you must identify the decision-maker in the room. However, do not assume it’s the boss. The ultimate word sometimes comes from an influencer who might not be the highest ranking person in the meeting. I learned that as an young music director. While on paper I was “in charge” of the music program of my church, I knew that Rosie, the long lasting, long standing, and revered organist was the decision maker for that group. It took me several years before I was able to retire Rosie and take leadership of that group.
Not all decision makers are alike. Here are a few profiles:
- The Dictator. Old school and in charge. It’s her way or the highway. If she wants your opinion, she’ll give it to you.
- The Consensus Builder. He needs buy-in from the entire team. Unless everyone is happy or mostly happy, the deal is not going forward. Be prepared for a long sales cycle.
- The Intuitive. You never know what’s going to trigger the “good feeling” or the “gut check” with this type of leader. Get ready for a ride. It could be your best and worst presentation or even both at the same time. You might have to throw reason to the wind and come up with your own closing “vibe” angle.
- Mr. Happy Pants. Worst of all of them. He loves everything and everyone. Your presentation will get great reviews and you might even get a hug. Closing the deal will be a challenge because since everyone and everything is great, nothing becomes priority. You enjoy being with them, but there’s never resolution. Mr. Happy Pants will frustrate, well, the pants off you.
Who did I forget?
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Barry Whitlow
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Scott Kantner
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Daniel Decker
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Lance Tullis
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Robert Blackburn, Jr
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