Mastering the Art of Closing Deals and Dates

The Importance of Being a Closer

Success in sales, dating, or any persuasive endeavor hinges significantly on one's ability to close effectively. Closing isn't just about making a sale or winning a date; it's about confidently asking for what you want and navigating interactions to achieve desired outcomes. Surprisingly, many people falter at this critical stage—either out of fear of being too pushy or simply because they don’t realize its importance.

Step 1 - Recognize the Necessity of Closing

The first step to becoming an adept closer is acknowledging that closing is an indispensable part of any interaction aimed at reaching an agreement. Whether it’s sealing a deal with a client or asking someone out on a date, the act of closing is often what transforms possibilities and intentions into real results. Statistics suggest that most sales meetings end without the salesperson ever making an attempt to close the deal. This lack of assertiveness can be even more pronounced in personal scenarios.

Step 2 - Sympathy vs Empathy

Understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy plays a crucial role in how effectively you can address others' needs and concerns during your closing attempts. Sympathy involves sharing someone else’s feelings so much so that it might lead you to back down from your objective (e.g., acknowledging that something is too expensive for them). On the other hand, empathy involves recognizing their feelings but still guiding them towards a solution (e.g., offering payment plans or highlighting long-term savings).

In both business and personal contexts, adopting an empathetic approach helps you transform perceived barriers into solvable challenges without taking on these issues as your own. This not only positions you as a problem solver but also enhances your persuasiveness by showing genuine concern for others’ situations.

Step 3 - Strong Belief in Your Offerings

The final step is developing a profound belief in whatever you are proposing—be it a product, service, or yourself. This conviction is contagious; people are naturally drawn to those who are passionate about their offerings. In sales scenarios, this might mean believing wholeheartedly in the benefits of your product. In dating or social interactions, it means having confidence in yourself as someone worth spending time with.

The Power of Belief Illustrated by Zig Ziglar’s Experience

Zig Ziglar’s story beautifully illustrates this point. As a young salesman, he failed to close a sale because he sympathized too much with his customer's desire to save money for other priorities rather than buying his product. Later reflections taught him that had he maintained his belief in the value of his pots and pans—and communicated this effectively—he might have helped his customer see their long-term value.

Conclusion - Integrating Assertiveness with Empathy and Belief

To excel as a closer—whether in sales or life—it’s crucial not only to be assertive but also empathetic and genuinely convinced of your offer's value. These elements together foster trust and respect from clients or partners while significantly boosting your success rates across various endeavors.

Remember, being effective at closing isn’t about being pushy; it’s about being clear, empathetic, and confident enough to ask for what you want multiple times if necessary until you reach an agreement that benefits all parties involved.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/IMdFeTaGLRU?si=bZ23fIv45nGDwZKM