In today’s society, you have to compete and have your sales pitch down cold. Having a sales pitch ready doesn’t always have to exist in the boardroom, it also applies with people you will meet in various social settings as well. Here are four ways to help you seal any deal life has to offer you.
Research in advance
Author of the best-selling book, The Art of War, Sun Tzu said:
“If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.”
Going to an interview may not be the same as going into battle, but it does help if you did some solid research about the organization and individuals you will they will be interviewing with. Know about the company’s mission, vision and values, and then prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s priorities. Try researching your interviewer as well. Learn what you can about their background and contributions within the company.
Build a rapport
When selling anything always remember, people always buy and invest in stuff from people they like. You want people to invest in you and the only way you will achieve that is to build a rapport. During any conversation or interview always carry a warm smile and maintain appropriate eye contact. Giving compliments work (but not too many times), and try to remain positive and energetic.
State your values clearly in your pitch
Your resumes highlights shares your past experience but that doesn’t sale it to the person reading it. It is just words on paper; your presentation has to bring those words to life. Share the specific skills you developed that helped you create successes for your current company, and then explain what you can do with those same skills for your interviewer’s organization.
Send a thank-you
Make an impression after the fact with an articulate thank-you note. Not just a cursory “thanks for your time,” the note should reiterate specific points and even explain how your skills can solve issues discussed during the interview. This communicates them that you are a good conversationalist and are likely to treat both fellow employees and customers with the same level of respect.