As a business owner, you know that sales are key to success. But many people don’t realize that storytelling is a powerful sales tool vital for closing deals. When you can tell a story about how your product or service overlaps with your customer’s story or shares your perspective, people will be more likely to buy from you.
Sales are all about telling a story. Connect with your customer and make them feel like they are a part of your story and you are well on your way to closing the next deal.
9 Tips for Storytelling In Sales
1. Start with a strong opening.
The first few sentences are critical to your story, whether spoken or written. You need to grab the attention of your listener and make them want to hear more. If you can do this, you’re well on you way to closing the deal.
2. Use vivid language.
The more descriptive you can be, the better. You want to paint a picture in your audience’s mind when you’re telling a story. The more vivid your language, the more likely they will be engaged with your story.
3. Make it relatable.
Your listener should be able to see themselves in your story. If they can’t, they’re not likely to be moved by it. When making your story relatable, think about who your target customer is; their needs, struggles, and wants. Make it personal and use key verbiage that will resonate with them exclusively.
4. Use emotion.
Stories that evoke emotions are more likely to be remembered than those that don’t. Emotional stories also connect with the listener, making them more likely to buy from you. Think about the last show you watched, the last book you read, or the last stranger you met at a networking event. If you remember anything, it is most likely due to the emotional pull created during the exchange.
5. Use Humor.
A little bit of humor adds life to any type or story you’re telling and helps hold the audience’s attention. Using humor at the right time and place can elevate a story making those funny moments relatable and memorable.
6. Keep it short and sweet.
No one wants to hear a long, drawn-out story. When you’re telling a story, make sure it’s concise and to the point. The shorter your story is, the more likely your listener will remember it. Make it easy for the listener to access the important key points.
7. Practice your Pitch.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll sound. Practicing will also help tailor your story, find what works and doesn’t, what jokes land, and what phrases and sections evoke emotion most.
8. Establish a Call-to-Action.
What exactly do you want your audience to do after hearing your story? Perhaps it’s subscribing to a newsletter, donating money, signing up for a webinar, or purchasing a product. Keep this in mind when drafting your stories.
9. Personalize your Story.
Making tweaks to your story when telling it to different clients is a quick and easy tactic that makes a big impact. Use past clients’ experiences to tailor the message to new prospects. Research your client, the company, and any industry changes that could impact your prospect’s business and incorporate that into your story.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your stories are engaging and effective. So next time you’re in a sales situation, remember to tell a story! It could be the difference between closing the deal and walking away empty-handed.
Bottle Rocket Media specializes in storytelling through motion graphics services, event video production services, and video production services. Connect with our team to create a brand story through video that is entirely your own and makes an impact.