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Team VODIUMMay 9, 2023 12:35:22 PM9 min read

Try These 11 Sales Tips for Success on Remote Sales Calls

Remote sales calls can be a challenge. Since communication is primarily nonverbal over a virtual call, there’s a whole other factor that could derail the sale. Even though many have adapted to this new landscape, there’s still a lot to be learned in the sales process virtually.

If you want to overcome this difficulty and start succeeding in your sales calls, you’ve come to the right place! VODIUM wants you to be prepared, which is why we’ve outlined 11 tips for success on remote sales calls. They could be just what you need to unlock better performance when selling over Zoom.

Prep a detailed script for your sales call

Preparation is key to sales calls, and that doesn’t change when you’re doing them remotely. You should know who you’re talking to beforehand, but you should also know what you’re going to say. Knowing the right terms and phrases to throw out at the right time makes it much more likely to land the sale than if you’re trying to sell off the cuff.

Don’t get it wrong, though. Being adaptable is paramount to gathering more information about your prospect. If you don’t have a script in place before the call, though, you won’t be able to lead the conversation toward the data you’re looking for. A script is your framework, and once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, then you can go off script and flex your sales muscles.

The best thing you can do for sales success on remote calls is to prepare a detailed script. Even if you need to adapt beyond the script, the script refines your method, and it can be a nice cushion if you’re not having a high-performance kind of day.

Share any pertinent sales materials before your call

There are a lot of materials you have to juggle as a salesperson, but you don’t want to put your lead in the same position. It’s super useful to share resources like case studies, research, files, and links with your leads. If you try to share these during the call, though, you’re putting them in a tight spot and not giving them enough time to truly digest the material.

Sales calls over videoconferencing platforms make it hard to share information with your lead, so it’s a good idea to share sales materials with them a few minutes before the call starts. Try to send out critical materials when you confirm the meeting via email. That way, they have plenty of time to take the content in before the call begins.

Rehearse the script until it flows naturally

Even though using a sales script is a smart idea, you don’t want to come across as unnatural or robotic while reading from it. You won’t be able to connect with your prospects if you do. Rehearsing the script is a good idea for that reason.

You don’t have to memorize it word-for-word, but try to know the main points and the sequence of ideas before the call begins. The easiest way to do that is by breaking your sales script down into bite-sized pieces. If you learn just one concept or line at a time, you’ll have the knowledge to fill in the blanks. By nailing the big ideas, you’re giving yourself support and direction to take charge of the conversation.

Reading your script aloud is another best practice. You’ll know how your points land and if there’s anything that comes across as awkward when speaking. You can experiment with inflection and follow-up questions. This will help you speak naturally when the time comes for you to turn the script into reality.

Add visual aids (if possible)

The human brain processes images roughly 60,000 times faster than text. It’s a no-brainer that not everyone is an auditory learner, and there are many leads out there that will appreciate some visual support. If possible, you should think about adding some visual aids to your presentation.

Remember those sales materials from before? Throw them up on a screen share. Instead, you could create a slide show that helps you get from point to point. Even better, have an infographic that amplifies the data you’re including in your pitch. Depending on the company you work for, you might ask your marketing department for some help creating visuals, too.

If you’re confident with your visual materials, you can share them with the lead after the call is finished for their reference, especially for infographics.

Build a rapport with your audience, even if you veer off script

Sales are as much about building relationships as it is about showing the value of your product. If your prospects genuinely like you, then they’re naturally going to be more interested in doing business with you as well. They might even choose to refer you to others, making your prospecting efforts a breeze.

You have a script on-hand, but be flexible with how you approach it. Not every line should be directed toward closing the deal. Asking simple questions to your prospect to understand them as a person outside of work can break the ice. Attempting to create common ground between yourself and your lead can do wonders for your sales call.

Get your tools and tech ready before the call

Technical difficulties are the culprit of many failed sales calls. This is especially true for video conferencing software, which comes with its own grab bag of technical issues that might arise. Get into the habit of preparing your tools and tech before the call starts to mitigate any interruptions to the sale.

For instance, make sure that your video quality, microphone, and internet are all solid before. A disconnection issue can derail the call before it has a chance to get started, and it can make you look unprofessional in the long run. Also, have all of your tools open in different tabs so you can quickly reference them when needed. You don’t want to have any delays while you attempt to look something up.

To avoid the issue altogether, get into the practice of verifying that everything you’ll rely on during the call is working.

Keep your webcam on

Nowadays, we’re all on Zoom a lot more than we’d probably like to. Many have gotten into the habit of turning their webcam off during video calls, but you must never do this during a sales call! It’s impossible to build rapport with someone that can’t see you. Again, much of communication is nonverbal, and you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage if they’re just looking at a blank screen.

Have your webcam on during the entire duration of the call with your prospect. This way you’ll have all the nonverbal tools in your communication arsenal, giving yourself a better chance at success. Plus, you’re telling them that this call is important to you and demonstrating your engagement directly.

Build a slick, well-lit environment

Having your webcam on is one factor, but your appearance is another. The background of your call has a lot of effects on the professionalism and credibility of your call. If your background is messy or dark, your prospect may not take you as seriously as they otherwise would.

First of all, you should tidy up everything behind you. Have some tasteful decor, a bookshelf, or anything that would appear professional and put-together. Build an environment that you can be proud to show off.

Also, make sure that your sales call setting is well-lit. Open up your blinds to let some light in. Have a light directly on your face so they can see your expressions better, and consider having a ring light to bring out your best angle.

Save time for questions

Telling ain’t selling. When we’re preparing for a sales call, we tend to think about all the things we’re going to say to the lead to get them warmed up. However, you shouldn’t be dominating the conversation as a salesperson. Driving your points home too much with little follow-up makes you seem pushy, which can dissuade some prospects from becoming your client.

Don’t let the conversation be a lecture. Leave room between points in your script for your counterparts to ask questions and clarify ideas. Try to do this several times throughout your script instead of leaving questions for the end of the call. You want them to say what’s on their mind when it matters.

Build questions to the prospect into your script to give them some time to make their own points. It’s easier for someone to zone out when they’re listening to someone speak rather than participating in the conversation themselves. Allowing your prospects to talk could help you retain their interest as well.

Close with a call to action

Sales calls are meant to help you achieve specific goals. Those goals may differ depending on the call, but you should be gradually building them to some sort of finish line. Closing a sale is all about getting them to act on something, so make sure you’re finishing up with an end goal in mind.

For example, the goal for an initial conversation with a new lead may simply be to schedule a follow-up conversation. The script and visual aids you use throughout the call should all build towards that final ask.

With a prospect that you already know, your goal may be to close the deal and get their business at the end of the call. In that case, your presentation may need to include some details about why now is the right time for them to take action and make a purchase.

The key idea here is knowing what your goal is for the end of the conversation and designing a strategy that helps your call to action feel like the next logical step to the lead.

Use a teleprompter app

You have a script, but how are you going to reference it without making it too obvious? Well, that’s where a teleprompter app like VODIUM comes in handy.

With a virtual teleprompter, you can reference your notes while still looking at the screen. You can place it near your camera to maintain eye contact throughout the call. You can scroll through your script manually to pause on points until the prospect can ask questions. You can even adjust the transparency to gauge your lead’s reactions and adjust accordingly.

You can keep the conversation flowing without seeming distracted or missing out on a key point. A teleprompter app can help you connect with your lead virtually in many ways.

VODIUM can help you keep your script straight

Having a great sales script can help you get as much value out of your sales calls as possible. However, you don’t want your prospect to see you reading from the script, or else the conversation’s flow and your reputation could be damaged.

That’s why you should consider investing in VODIUM. Our virtual teleprompter software provides a simple way to enjoy the benefits of using a sales script without having to suffer the drawbacks. Also, it’s completely compatible with whatever video conferencing software you’re using.

Why wait? Try a free trial today to experience the value we offer.

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