Thanks to internationalisation and globalisation, we do more and more business across country and language borders. And a good thing too! But a sales pitch alone will not make the difference: selling is more than just presenting your product. Imagine missing out on the French or German market because you don't speak that market's language! Wondering how you can avoid missing an opportunity? A language course designed for sales will help you increase your sales!
Often there is quite a long way before you get the appointment of your dreams. But once you are on the spot, you also have to ensure you make it happen! A good first impression is therefore very important. As a salesperson, you need to exude confidence so that your customer trusts you and your product or service. Consciously or unconsciously, weaker language skills radiate a lack of self-confidence. And that is best avoided. After all, you'd probably like to sell your product in that foreign language with just as much impact as in your mother tongue. A language trainer can help you with the most appropriate and needed key phrases and will provide you with all kinds of tips and tricks. For example, how to avoid words like "peut-être" (=maybe) in French, and how to come across confident by starting your presentation with "Je vais vous présenter" using the 'futur proche' tense for more "cachet". 😉
Presenting your product or service - with care - is only part of the story. The big challenge of your sales pitch often comes after. Rarely will your potential customer agree to your proposal straightaway. As a salesperson, you'll need to stand your ground firmly, and repond with strong arguments using in the foreign language.
A sales pitch usually goes well beyond the pitch itself. So-called icebreakers and social talk are often as important - if not more important - than your product presentation. Your conversation will quickly become far too business-like if you don't feel comfortable discussing informal topics in the foreign language too.
Good language skills for sales doesn't only mean good spoken communication. How you communicate in writing is also important. If you can't express yourself well in writing in the foreign language, you'll quickly miss the opportunity to provide concrete examples or cases. And it is precisely those elements that might make your offer stand out from those of your competitors or other suppliers.
Your language training will also focus on much more than just your language level. As a good salesperson, you'll also be familiar with the local customs of your conversation partner. Do you do business with the United States? Then it is useful to know that 'intimacy= respect', whereas in most other cultures 'formality= respect' applies. Americans are much more likely to be informal than other cultures. Such cultural differences will also form part of your language training, helping you build your confidence in the language as well as building trust and a relationship with your potential customer.
In short, good language skills increase your credibility as a business partner. They also boost your self-confidence, which can only benefit your sales. Strong language skills ensure that you understand your interlocutor at all times, and that they understand you as well, helping you build a business relationship that will last.
Does this sound like something for you? Sign up for a language course and make your sales figures pop!