How often do you infuse a little humor into your sales conversations? Making prospects smile can help you break the ice and build rapport. Whether you make a lighthearted joke or share a funny observation, you can make your interactions feel more authentic with some simple humor.
A post on the Sybill blog encourages salespeople to embrace laughter. Not only can it help form bonds and put people at ease, but it also encourages open, honest communication. This leads to a more relaxed, productive environment.
How do you strike the right tone? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share the Sybill post that covers some best practices when using humor in sales.
Lighten the mood. Laughing is a natural stress reliever, the post says. Not only can it put people at ease and build camaraderie, but laughter also stimulates creative thinking. Whether you’re forging new connections or looking to overcome some sales objections, think about using humor in your approach.
Stand out from the competition. Dry sales pitches aren’t memorable. Set yourself apart by sprinkling in some thoughtful, well-timed jokes. The Sybill post says this helps you leave a lasting impression on your prospects.
Watch your timing and context. If you’re going to play around with some humor, practice your timing and make sure the content is relevant. The post points out that nobody wants to endure a long-winded joke that falls flat and doesn’t relate to the matter at hand.
Build trust. It’s crucial to establish trust with prospects. Making them laugh is one way to do this, the post says, because they see you as a person. As they get to know you better, they’re more likely to feel a sense of loyalty and trust in your capability.
Gauge your audience. When using humor, always read the room and adjust accordingly. If prospects don’t crack a smile, change course. Being able to think on your feet and show that you’re paying attention can result in connections that feel organic, the post says.
Keep it professional. You may be having a rip-roaring time together, but remember the goal is to build a business relationship. Have fun but stay mindful of your prospects’ time.
Even if you’re not necessarily the funny guy or gal in most rooms, think about how you can inject some playfulness or lightheartedness into your discussions. A little humor can turn a stilted sales call into a relaxed, enjoyable conversation.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: The Sybill blog. Sybill is an AI-powered sales assistant that helps sales teams focus on building relationships and closing deals by automating administrative tasks.
