Have you been asking yourself, “how in the world can I make a sale?!!” If you’re new to sales, or have been experiencing slow-to-no sales in your business, this can be a very frustrating question to answer.

Here’s how to conquer your dilemma — know your Five P’s of Sales!

1. Product Knowledge

2. People Knowledge

3. Practice!

4. Practice!!

5. Practice!!!

First step, know your product. Know every single detail of your product. If your product is a stapler, how many pieces of paper can it hold? How many staples can you fit in it? What colors and styles does it come in? You must be able to intelligently answer your customer’s questions in a way that is clear and concise. Now, even with all your expertise, you will still get a question from time to time to which you do not know the answer. Not a problem! Simply state, “That’s a great question! I will find out the answer and get back to you.” Schedule a time that is convenient for your customer, and then follow up as promised.

Second step, know your customer. How do you learn about your customer? Build rapport by being honest and sincere, have some personality and use a positive demeanor. Ask key questions that relate to your product and LISTEN to the answers they give you. This will allow you to show them how your product will fit their needs, instead of how making this sale will line your pockets!

Third step, practice! Practice your sales pitch in front of a mirror. Record your pitch on an

audio or video tape so you can see for yourself where you sound great and where you can make some adjustments. Practice on friends and family, asking for suggestions on possible areas of improvement. Make sure they understand what you are saying - speak slowly and clearly. Believe in what you are selling.

Fourth step, practice some more! As you make minor (and sometimes major) tweaks to your pitch, practice on those same family and friends. Record your updated pitch. Look for ways to make your sales pitch sound natural and enthusiastic, and NOT like a “sales pitch”.

Fifth step, you guessed it - PRACTICE! But wait, didn’t you practice enough already? No, for the reason that you will always be learning something new about your customers, products, sales techniques, marketplace changes, and so on. Implement those into your sales pitch and continue to practice.

When you know your products, customers, and sales pitch inside and out, you have the tools to succeed.

Humility and confidence = Money in your pocket.