When it comes to something like the game of sales, small differences can go an incredibly long way, and when it comes to something as easy as a smile, why not?
In David Carnegie’s well renowned book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Carnegie outlines a number of tips which can be used throughout sales conversations in order to better your odds of “winning the sale.” The number one tip that Carnegie has for us, as salespeople is to smile! He calls it a “simple way to make a good first impression,” which could not be more true. I am increasingly interested in tips such as these which are so simple, yet so impactful. Even when going about our daily interactions with one another, a simple smile can go a long way in the way you are perceived.
Smiles can be implemented throughout businesses to bring them to their full selling capacity. We see fantastic examples of this from places such as Chik-Fil-A and Starbucks. When an employee is happy while dealing with a customer, that customer will inevitably enjoy their experience much more. However, if that same employee seems as though their job is sucking the life out of them before your very eyes, you will undoubtedly feel much different about your experience.
Implementing a simple smile into your daily life, as well as into your selling endeavors can make you much more successful than if you were without that smile. So just smile! it will go a long way.
I’m a big fan of Chick-fil-A and smiling is definitely a game changer in their business atmosphere. It’s actually a part of their training for interacting with customers. They employ the “Core Four” which consist of Sharing a Smile, Making Eye Contact, Speak Enthusiastically, and Stay Connected. I agree that the small things really add up in a sales conversation!
Something so simple and easy really can go a long way. Everyone knows about chick fil a’s customer service. Smiling is a great practice in any job. It affects the people around you. Even if your smile goes unnoticed, there was not a negative affect on those around you. I know that while I may not notice every person that has a smile on their face, I do notice those around me that look miserable.
Honestly though, a smile can be the difference between a sale or no sale. Not only are people like that more approachable, I simply feel more comfortable with answering their questions!
Much like strategic mimicing, I totally agree smiling can break down barriers in a business relationship. I mean stop being the role you for a second and just be a real person