Pages

Sunday, February 13, 2011

A Lesson on Sales From Shopping...

 Have you ever been excited to go shopping only to leave disappointed? That's how I felt today after leaving a department store where I was looking for a new television. From the moment I stepped into the store I was greeted by a sales associate who assured me that all of the associates had over 200 hours of product training. The problem was not with how I was greeted or how knowledgeable the sales associates were. The problem was when I went to look at all the new HD televisions.  Now picture this, you walk into the electronics section ready to drool over all the different size televisions an crystal clear picture quality of all the latest an greatest goodies that modern technology has to offer, finding only to your disappointment that all of the televisions are all showing the same Non-High Definition broadcast, Which roughly translates into the formal wear section of the Miss America pageant being down-graded to T-shirts an jeans. None of the TV's were showing off their true potential. The sales associate wasn't even interested in trying to sell, or even acknowledging the presents of anyone other than a rather affluent looking gentleman who was clearly annoyed by him. Needless to say the only thing I left with was disappointment.

 This got me to thinking how can I make sure no one ever leaves my community feeling this way. Even the thought of one of my prospective residents leaving feeling as neglected an unappreciated as I did upsets me, considering we are here to provide quality homes and make our communities prosper. No one cares how knowledgeable you are if the product you are selling dose not look its best. No one will care if you are currently with a prospect as long as you acknowledge them and let them know you will help them as soon as you can. A great sales person is aware of every potential customer and will establish some type of contact. Do you greet every person who walks into your office when you are busy or just ignore them wishing they would go away? I surely hope not, as that negative attitude can often influence your chances for a lease in a very negative way. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in a conversation on the phone, or with a resident, or a prospect that we can't jump up from our seats and say welcome. What we can do is make contact, and let them know that you or someone else will be able to help them shortly. Something as simple as making someone feel at home in your office can make someone want to make your community their home.

 So... are your apartments ready for your potential residents? Is your office warm and inviting? Does your model scream out rent me? These are serious questions that we have to address when we are selling our communities to potential residents. Something as simple as an air freshener can make the apartment your showing more appealing. Having resfreshments in your leasing office can make everyone feel more at home and buy you some much needed time when you are busy. Adding freshs flowers to your office can improve moods an stimulate the senses. Always make sure your community is looking its best. Even the smallest details can set you apart from your competition.

 The bottom line is that consumers want to know what they are getting for their money. If your product looks its best and you are knowledgeable then your sales will reflect that. Don't let someone leave your community feeling deflated by their experience. Take the time to touch up the appeal of your leasing center and apartment homes. Those little touches will make your assets shine and set the standard for potential residents if they view another community.

Your greatest assets as a sales person is the confidence you get when you know your selling a quality product, and that will leave customers confident that they want to buy from you.

No comments:

Post a Comment