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There are positives and negatives associated with being a game player, but a strategic game player is at another level. Using strategy implies studying, reviewing, and giving thought to better ways for proceeding. Efforts perform best when they include a thought-out plan.
Playing board games, video games, puzzles, or being a sports enthusiast can teach a person to become a strategic game player. One of the best methods to apply the same in business is to keep an eye on your competition. Doing so keeps us alert to the markets, how people are performing within the varying industries, and how we can position ourselves advantageously.
Consistency with maintaining our unique identity is essential for building relationships with those we meet. It is how we develop our personal brand that soon encourages trust and a loyal developing clientele. Another component is to keep up to date on new trends and technologies and be aware of how our competitors apply them for their clientele.
On sales calls, we frequently hear, ‘Oh, I’m not interested because I do business with Company XYZ.’ Being a strategic game player, I find that to be a conversation starter.
A good response is to say; I hope they are taking good care of you! And then ask what they like best about the company. Most often, the person communicating with me would reveal the details. Again, I would reply with enthusiasm. When something unusual reveals itself, it’s good to make a note of it to see if it will fit with our repertoire. And if something is questionable, it’s best to ask a ‘what if’ type question. The ‘what ifs’ further the dialogue that can bring the conversation to a deeper level. A significant part of the strategy is to inquire how the prospect prefers to do business and select vendors.
By pursuing the communication in this manner, a trial of doing business with the company often comes into play. And by delivering excellent service, the entire campus is likely to become the client. The bottom line is that being a strategic game player, using the power of observation plus asking many questions, we become the trusted source.
Initial sales conversations are akin to personalized sales training courses. By listening to and hearing in full what the prospective client has to say, many questions come to mind. And upon making those inquiries, specific instruction on the types of vendors they prefer plus their requirements will provide us with a blueprint for making the sale.
Of course, making the sale is only the beginning. The continual pursuit of becoming a better strategic game player to include customer care is the differentiator that makes one successful. The same applies to corporate business, entrepreneurship, small business, and all other endeavors in which we desire to see milestones achieved.
Take a few minutes to answer with you do the following:
- Ask all the questions that come to mind
- Concentrate on the answers you receive
- Reflect on the responses and then make additional inquiries
- Initially ask open-ended questions to receive broad input
- Ask about specifics later in the conversation
Most representatives or business owners are too intent to make the sale. Little to no research about the person or the company complete ahead of time. There is little attempt to learn who is currently supplying services or if the prospect finds satisfaction with it. Instead, the relentless pursuit turns many prospective clients off, and business goes by the wayside.
Whether you work on a team, have collaborative partners, or work by yourself, research how the others conduct their work. Read testimonials, review their websites, and ask prospective clients how they like the current client care in place. Pay keen attention to both their likes and dislikes. The responses give insight into how to best perform in the future and become a strategic game player.
Should you enjoy sports, video or board games, or puzzles, consider the strategies you use to compete. Do you play only to play or to win? Would you say you give equal thought to the game in front of you as you do to a prospective client?
Observations tell me that more people most likely give more attention to actual games than to earning the attention of their prospects. In the early stage of one’s career, uncertainty is a huge barrier. Like actual sports, the practice, persistence, and the motivation to improve will help you become a strategic game player. Accordingly, success will increase and will attract larger audiences to you and your brand.
Sales Tips: Are You A Strategic Game Player?
- Remain current with trends, technology, and the news in general
- Research the industry you represent in-depth
- Review the competitors in your industry to familiarize yourself with similarities and differences
- Read up on the clientele of your top three competitors
- Consider how you may uniquely serve the clientele of interest
- Ask prospects if they will entertain new possibilities
- Lay out your thoughts of how you may potentially help your prospective clients
- Listen carefully to responses and ask further questions to gain a deeper understanding
- Ask for clarification on anything you do not understand
- Celebrate Success!