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Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter, if you’re relying on a multi-step sales process to win clients, you’re unknowingly eroding your authority.
It’s not your fault, this approach has been drilled into the sales world for decades. But here’s the truth, the longer your sales process drags on, the more your perceived value diminishes.
Why?
Because every additional step, every follow-up email, every “check-in” call, sends a subtle message to your prospect, “I need you more than you need me.” And when that dynamic creeps in, trust evaporates.
Think about it.
When you visit a doctor, they don’t schedule three or four meetings to build rapport before diagnosing your issue.
They don’t offer free consultations to prove their value. Instead, they ask the right questions, pinpoint the problem, and prescribe a solution, all in one conversation.
Their authority is unquestioned because they lead with clarity, not persuasion.
Now, contrast that with the typical multi-step sales process. You meet with a prospect, share some insights, and then wait.
They say, “Let me think about it,” and you agree to follow up.
But here’s the kicker, when they “think about it,” they’re not gaining clarity, they’re getting more confused.
They’re processing your information alongside input from other advisors, and the result is often paralysis, not progress.
The solution?
Eliminate the multi-step process entirely. Shift your focus to creating a single, trust-based conversation where the decision to move forward happens naturally.
Here’s how:
1. Stop Giving Away Free Advice
Sharing too much upfront might feel helpful, but it actually commoditizes your expertise. When you offer free consulting, you’re essentially training your prospect to shop around for more free advice. Instead, focus on uncovering the truth of their situation, the deeper issues they might not even realize they have.
Your role is not to educate or impress them with your knowledge. It’s to guide them to a moment of clarity where they see the real problem they’re facing and recognize that you’re the only one who can help them solve it.
2. Position Yourself as the Trusted Authority
Like a doctor, your role is to diagnose, not to sell. Use trust-based languaging to guide the conversation and create a safe space where your prospect feels understood. For example, instead of saying, “Let me follow up with you next week,” try this:
“Would you be open to sharing your thoughts on what we discussed? I’d love to hear if this is still a priority for you to solve.”
This approach removes the pressure and invites them to open up. It’s not about pushing the sale forward, it’s about creating a moment of truth where they feel comfortable making a decision.
3. Get to the Truth in the First Meeting
The decision to hire you happens in a split second, during that initial conversation. It’s not about convincing them, it’s about helping them see that you’re the only one who truly understands their problem.
This requires a mindset shift. Instead of thinking about how to “close the deal,” focus on how to create a moment of deep trust. Ask questions that go beyond the surface level and uncover the real pain points driving their decision-making.
For example, instead of asking, “What are your goals for the next quarter?” try this:
“What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now that you feel isn’t being addressed?”
When you ask questions like this, you’re not just gathering information, you’re creating a space where your prospect feels heard and understood. And that’s where trust begins.
Why This Works
When you embrace this approach, you’ll notice a dramatic shift. Prospects will stop “shopping around” and start trusting you. They’ll stop asking for more time and start asking, “How do we get started?”
This isn’t just a technique, it’s a philosophy. It’s about letting go of old habits and embracing a new way of communicating that prioritizes trust over tactics.
So, if you’re tired of chasing prospects and losing authority in the process, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Trust isn’t built over multiple meetings, it’s built in a single moment of clarity. And when you master that moment, you’ll unlock the game.
Related: Why Following Up Is Killing Your Sales Conversations
Ari Galper is the world’s number one authority on trust-based selling and is the most sought-after high-net worth/lead generation expert for financial advisors. His newest book, “Trust In A Split Second” has become an instant best-seller among financial advisors worldwide – you can get a Free copy of Ari’s book here and, when you click the “YES” button in the order form, you’ll also receive a complimentary “plug up the holes” lead generation consultation. Ari has been featured in CEO Magazine, Forbes, INC Magazine and the Financial Review. He is considered a contrarian in the financial services industry and in his book, everything you learned about selling will be turned upside down. No more chasing, no pressure, no closing.