The magic of the first seconds in sales

Did you watch the soccer game between Austria and Turkey at the Euros? Then you know how crucial the first seconds can be. In this case, it was only 57 seconds that changed the game. In sales, the time span is even shorter. Within just 3 seconds, we form an opinion about the person in front of us and then filter everything we hear through that opinion. And in just 20 seconds, we instinctively decide who we can trust. Missed opportunities in sales How many salespeople miss opportunities because they do not enter a sales conversation fully focused and with the right attitude from the first second? The answer might surprise you. Too many. Sales is a game of seconds, and if you don't get to the point immediately, you risk losing the interest of your potential customer. Focus and attitude In sales, it's about convincing the customer to solve their problems and fulfill their dreams. This requires full attention and a deep understanding of their needs. Only then can you offer the solution that wows them. If you are not focused from the beginning, you could miss the chance to truly impress your customers and turn them into fans of your product. Our impact is crucial for future success. This includes the right inner attitude, which affects our body language and voice – positively or negatively. This is what our customer perceives in the short time of the first minute and what can determine success or failure. Preparation is key Consciously align your inner attitude before an important meeting. Create a checklist of how you want to come across and go through it like a pilot before takeoff. This ensures that you do better than the (Austrian) footballers 😊. Here are some tips on how to prepare optimally: Create the checklist: How do you want your counterpart to perceive you (competent, flexible, confident, focused, ... - simply add, it's YOUR impact) Visualize your success: Imagine the conversation going perfectly. See the customer nodding enthusiastically and eventually agreeing. Take deep breaths: Deep breathing can help reduce stress and sharpen your focus. Be aware: Think about the 1-3 seconds you have for the first impression. From then on, your counterpart selectively perceives, only what they want to perceive and what fits their first impression. The art of body language The right body language works wonders. An open, friendly smile, eye contact, and an upright posture signal confidence and openness. These are the nonverbal signs that your counterpart picks up on and that determine whether they trust you or not. Voice and tone The voice also plays a crucial role. A warm, friendly tone can create sympathy and trust. Avoid monotony and bring some energy and enthusiasm into your voice. Genuine interest Your customer should feel that you are truly interested in them and their needs. Think of the person sitting in front of you, not your product. The first seconds in sales are crucial. We instinctively decide in the first 20 seconds whether we trust our counterpart or not. Prepare consciously for every conversation, align your inner attitude, and pay attention to your body language and voice. This way, you can ensure that you leave a positive impression from the start and maximize the chance of impressing and winning over your customers. So, grab your checklist and get ready for your next sales appointment. And don't forget: You've got this!