Words to Avoid for Effective Sales

Master Your Sales Conversations: 26 Words to Avoid

Dear Sales Professionals and all that want to become one,🤫🪽

As you continue to refine your sales strategies, it's crucial to remember that the words you choose can make or break a deal. In this week's SalesNavigator episode, airing at 6:00 PM this Sunday, we delve deep into 26 words that you should avoid in your sales conversations.

These words might seem harmless, but they can create doubt, lower perceived value, or even derail the sales process entirely. Let’s explore some key examples and their impact:

1. "Honestly" or "To be honest" or "to be frank"

Example: "To be honest, this is the best deal we have." Why to avoid: Starting with "Honestly" suggests you might not have been completely truthful before. This can make customers question your integrity. Instead, build trust through consistent, straightforward communication.

2. "Trust me"

Example: "Trust me, this product is the best on the market." Why to avoid: Trust is earned through actions, not requested. Asking for trust can make you seem less credible. Demonstrate your reliability through your knowledge and transparency.

3. "Sorry to bother you"

Example: "Sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to check in."

Why to avoid: This phrase weakens your position, implying your time or offer is less valuable. Approach every interaction with confidence, showing the importance of your conversation.

4. "Just following up"

Example: "I’m just following up on the email I sent last week."

Why to avoid: This phrase sounds passive. Instead, provide a clear reason for your follow-up, such as discussing next steps or offering additional value.

5. "Buy"

Example: "Would you like to buy this product today?"

Why to avoid: "Buy" emphasizes the financial transaction, which can create resistance. Phrasing like "Would you like to own this?" focuses on the benefits of the product.

6. "Sign"

Example: "Please sign this contract."

Why to avoid: "Sign" can feel formal and binding. Phrases like "Approve this agreement" or "Complete the paperwork" are more approachable.

7. "Deal"

Example: "This is the best deal you'll find."

Why to avoid: "Deal" can cheapen your offer, making it seem less valuable. Emphasize the quality and benefits of your product instead.

8. "Best price"

Example: "This is the best price you’ll get."

Why to avoid: This phrase can make customers suspicious that they might find a better price elsewhere. Highlight the value, not just the price.

9. "Competitor"

Example: "We are better than our competitor."

Why to avoid: Avoid negative comparisons. Focus on what makes your product unique without mentioning others.

10. "Cheap"

Example: "This is a cheap option."

Why to avoid: "Cheap" suggests low quality. Use words like "affordable" or "cost-effective" to maintain a positive perception.

11. "I hope"

Example: "I hope this solution works."

Why to avoid: "Hope" signals uncertainty. Use confident language like "I’m confident this will meet your needs."

12. "I'll try"

Example: "I’ll try to get this done."

Why to avoid: This phrase shows a lack of commitment. Say "I will get this done," which builds trust.

13. "Problem"

Example: "The problem with your current setup is..."

Why to avoid: Focusing on problems can seem negative. Instead, highlight how your solution can enhance their current setup.

14. "Impossible"

Example: "It’s impossible to offer a lower price."

Why to avoid: "Impossible" closes off possibilities. Offer alternatives instead.

15. "Guarantee"

Example: "I guarantee this will solve your issue."

Why to avoid: Overuse can make you seem insincere. Use it sparingly and only when you can fully back it up.

16. "Discount"

Example: "We can offer you a discount."

Why to avoid: Discounts can lower perceived value. Instead, discuss "special pricing" or "exclusive offers."

17. "Later"

Example: "We can discuss this later."

Why to avoid: Procrastination can kill deals. Encourage immediate action to maintain momentum.

18. "Maybe"

Example: "Maybe this could work for you."

Why to avoid: "Maybe" shows uncertainty. Use more decisive language, like "This will work for you."

19. "Kind of"

Example: "This product is kind of like what you’re looking for."

Why to avoid: This weakens your statement. Be clear and confident, saying "This product is exactly what you need."

20. "Contract"

Example: "Let’s sign the contract."

Why to avoid: "Contract" can sound intimidating. Use "agreement" or "paperwork" instead.

21. "Expensive"

Example: "This option is expensive, but..."

Why to avoid: Highlighting cost can deter customers. Focus on the value and return on investment instead.

22. "Mistake"

Example: "It was a mistake that we missed your last email."

Why to avoid: Focusing on mistakes creates a negative tone. Instead, focus on solutions: "Let’s ensure this doesn’t happen again."

23. "Forget"

Example: "Forget what others have told you..."

Why to avoid: This can sound dismissive. Use positive language like "Consider this perspective instead..."

24. "Why not"

Example: "Why not give it a try?"

Why to avoid: This phrase can sound unsure. Use confident language like "Let’s move forward with this."

25. "Hope"

Example: "I hope this product meets your expectations."

Why to avoid: "Hope" weakens your position. Say "I’m sure this product will exceed your expectations" to convey confidence.

26. "Forget"

Example: "Forget what others have told you..."

Why to avoid: This can sound dismissive. Use more positive language, like "Consider this perspective instead..."

By refining your language and avoiding these words, you can strengthen your sales conversations, build trust, and increase your closing rates.

For a deeper dive into these tips, let’s refine your sales game together! For more insights where you can leverage, book a consultation here. It's not a free consultation! Because I don't believe in this. As it is just a small Security-Deposit to check if you are in with all your skin.🪽

Best Regards, your Angela