Telephone sales skills are key to financial success for many businesses. In person meetings were once a necessity for many sales companies. But today, using the Internet and the phone makes people more accessible and has become more of the norm in many industries.

We’re living in an age where travel is becoming increasingly cost prohibitive, in terms of money AND time; there are many alternative that are often not only less expensive but more effective. As a result, telephone sales skills are vital to the financial success of a business that depends primarily on efforts to sell their products or services.

Excellent telephone sales skills may very well be the difference between your companies' financial success or demise.

Telephone Sales Skills and Tips

1)Always Have a Plan – have your contact information front and center and know the purpose for which you are calling.

2)Know Your Client – has this client purchased from your company previously? Nothing makes a client feel more appreciated (and inclined to purchase again) than a company knowing his buying habits or business needs.

3)Be Courteous – this is so basic, but many times, telephone sales representatives are callous and bordering on rude, so stand out from the crowd and be considerate of their time frame and availability. If the person with whom you wish to speak is not available, be especially kind to the person answering the phone and make a positive impression.

4)Professionalism is Key – it's possible to be friendly with the client while remaining professional. Key in to personal tidbits they share with you, but don't pry or ask invasive questions. You'll lose the sale and possibly any future business. Get a feel for the client's personality and cater to that in the most professional manner possible.

5)Educate Your Client – soft sales pitches that educate the client on the product or service are much more successful than hard sales verbiage. If the customer realizes their need for what you're selling, they're more likely to purchase it. If the customer feels pressured with a high-pressure sales pitch, you'll likely lose the immediate sale and perhaps future sales.

6)Engage Your Client – does your client have a catalog or a website you can look at together? This will engage the customer over the phone and make them feel as though you're right there beside them, helping to choose the best product or service for them.

7)Smile! Yes, it's true, the customer on the other end of the telephone can't see you, but he/she can hear you. When you smile, your voice reflects that! If need be, keep a mirror beside the telephone as a reminder to smile.

8)Get a Date on the Calendar – make sure to schedule future customer calls ahead of time so your customer can expect your call when it's convenient for him.

9)Thank You Cards – nothing speaks louder to a client than a thank you note via snail mail. It's even more important in this high-tech age of computers and e-mail to take the time to hand write a thank you note to each and every customer, thanking him for the business.

Implement these telephone skills every time you conduct a sales call and you'll be more successful than you ever imagined.