Incognito Journal

Sales professionals often squirm when we mention video mystery shopping. Maybe they’ve had a bad experience, or perhaps being on film just seems too “Big Brother-ish.” When introduced properly, however, video mystery shopping can provide significant training and self-awareness value for a sales team.  

Competition is healthy for any business, but how can you gain extra access to important insights that allow you to stay on top? Mystery Shopping. 

The U.S. real estate industry generates over $1 trillion in revenue annually, according to IBISWorld Industry Reports. It’s a massive and competitive sector made all the more so by ever-shifting technology that can allow sales agents to be either more competitive … or irrelevant.

Trial Closing

"Could this work for you?"

As a child, I loved listening to my grandmother talk about life in the late 1800's, and as I approached my teen years, was fascinated by her stories of how young people "courted" in those days.  As was typical of proper ladies in the Deep South at the time, dating took place on the front porch swing in the company of her rather large family.  My grandparents kissed for the very first time when they were pronounced man and wife!

When I evaluate a salesperson's performance I become a virtual participant, much like a die-hard sports fan on Sunday afternoon. Sometimes I'm a cheerleader; sometimes I'm the coach, and more often than not, I'm a little overzealous.  Case in point:  While watching a new home video shop my family once thought our youngest had mastered the potty when I shouted, "Yes!  She DID it!  I'm so PROUD of her!"  You could've cut the disappointment with a knife when they realized a sale had been closed. 

Several weeks ago, I arrived early for a meeting with a client and caught myself mentally evaluating a salesperson who appeared to be winding up his presentation.  During a lull in their conversation, I heard the prospective buyer tell the agent he was ready to go to contract.  "I really do like what I've seen here," he said, "I love the floor plan, the golf course is perfect, and I can't imagine a more ideal home site."

WHAT IS IT?

AND CAN YOU OVERCOME IT?

A shared passion for golf and fast cars creates an instant connection with your customer resulting in a dynamic presentation and strong buying signals.  You ask if he has questions or concerns.  He can't think of any.  You confirm that everything meets his needs.  But when you ask for the sale, the guy you thought you'd read so well delivers a surprise ending.  "I need to think about it."

Whether you've been selling for 30 minutes or 30 years, you've encountered buyers who never make a decision without mulling it over.

Why Buyers Don't Like Salespeople

I grew up hearing the men in my family say, "Never trust a salesman," although it wasn't until I was well into my teens that I understood the reasons for their distrust.

COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING

Talking About the Competition

People who are in the market for a new home ask a gazillion questions.  It's what prospectivebuyers do when preparing to make the largest investment in their lifetime.  As their sales counselor, you don't just answer their questions, you educate, motivate, and facilitate them every step of the way.  It's what you do to ensure your prospects are able to make a well-informed decision.

But is it risky talking to buyers about your competition?

Selling Features and Benefits

Anyone can walk through model homes with prospective buyers, pointing out bedrooms, bathrooms, cabinetry and cooktops, but a good sales professional knows there is a world of difference between showing a house and selling a home.

Today's new home buyers are looking to buy or build their dream home, in some cases, their forever home, and they are counting on you to convince them that your home is a better choice than the competition.  High on their list are features and benefits.