As a sales professional, you'll definitely have many talents, but one that stands out the most is your communication skills. So never underestimate how important your language skills are in your job: a lot will depend on the way you get your message across.
We give you 5 important tips to get the best out of your business language skills:
If you take your job seriously, you'll always want to go for the best even when your client speaks another language you are not fully proficient in.
And why should you make do with insufficient language skills? You may be able to express yourself adequately in English in everyday situations, but do you really have extensive knowledge of business English? Can you approach and convince your customers in exactly the same way in English as in your mother tongue?
If the answer to that last question is 'no, then it is time to do something about it now and stop letting opportunities slip by because your language skills are inadequate.
Most language learners developed a basic vocabulary that helps them through common conversations. What we don’t have in our arsenal once we’re on our own in a multi-lingual business environment, is the specific vocabulary that we need to hold our own at work.
Therefore, start looking for the specific words you need in your job. You can do this in various ways:
By consciously choosing the right words, you can strengthen your arguments and convince your customer faster.
Be aware of words which strengthen your message and are therefore good to use during your sales talks, and words which are better to avoid.
As a sales professional, nothing can throw you off guard. Or almost nothing ... A sales conversation in English is slightly more challenging than one in your mother tongue.
Whereas in your own language you know the right answer to every question and you can talk enthusiastically about your product or service, this is less obvious in English.
Do you sometimes fail to find the right words or just can't express the right nuance to win over your customer? This will be familiar to many. Try to avoid surprises by preparing for every situation. On the one hand, you can do this by expanding your professional vocabulary, but on the other hand, you can also prepare yourself by learning standard sentences.
Now that you've created your list with vocabulary and key sentences, you'll need to learn to apply the words spontaneously during meetings, phone calls and presentations.
With these tips, you will learn to actively use your business vocabulary and incorporate it into your daily routine:
Your self-confidence and enthusiasm have a direct impact on your sales performance. Yes the content you bring is important, but the way you deliver that content also influences your performance.
Do you feel insecure when speaking, calling or writing in English? Your lack of confidence will have an impact on your customers and their ability to believe in you. Should they believe in you? Yes they do!
Together with your coach you will learn new vocabulary and key sentences and practise until you can actively use the words with complete confidence.
Create your account on Squidll, find a business language coach who fits your needs and start today on Squidll!