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Learning Objectives
1. Explain the importance of trust. 2. Discuss the distinguishing characteristics of trust-based selling. 3. Discuss how to earn trust.
Learning Objectives
4. Explain how the knowledge bases help build trust and relationships. 5. Understand the importance of sales ethics. 6. Discuss three important areas of unethical behavior.
1. What were the characteristics Gwen Tranquillo possessed and demonstrated that helped her earn her customers trust? 2. How did Gwen demonstrate she was customer oriented and that Hershey wants whats best for its customers?
Trust refers to the degree to which one person can rely on another when the former is dependent on the latter.
A fundamental competitive strategy of a growing number of organizations is to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. The ability of those organizations salespeople to earn their customers trust is essential to the success of that strategy.
Trust
Compatible
Expert
Expert
The salesperson knows what he/she needs to know. The salesperson and his/her company have the ability and resources to get the job done right.
The extent to which a salesperson consistently and predictably follows through on commitments he/she makes to others.
Buyers can rely on the salesperson. The salesperson keeps his/her promises.
Dependable
The extent to which a salesperson is honest and upfront with others, especially with regard to issues/factors that may impact those others.
The salesperson is honest in his/her spoken word. The salespersons presentation is fair and balanced.
Candid
The extent to which a salesperson values and protects the interests of his/her customers.
Customer Oriented
The salesperson truly cares about the partnership. The salesperson will go to bat for the customer.
The extent to which a salespersons behaviors, actions, and personality are consistent with and/or appreciated by his/her customers.
The buyer likes doing business with the salesperson. The buyer likes doing business with the salespersons company.
Compatible
Knowledge Bases
Industry Company Product Price and Promotion Service Market/Customer Competitor Technology
Industry Knowledge
In order to develop and execute effective selling strategies, and to be viewed as a market information resource, salespeople must understand the dynamics, structure, culture, and forces that affect the industry or industries in which they work.
Company Knowledge
Salespeople must understand their companys culture, mission, goals, policies, and procedures so that they may effectively and accurately represent the company when interacting (e.g., negotiating) with its prospective and current customers.
Product Knowledge
Salespeople must have a thorough understanding of their product offering(s) so that they are perceived (by the customer) as experts and capable of accurately matching those offerings to the needs of the customer.
Service Knowledge
Closely tied to the market offer is the service and support an organization provides its customers. Salespeople must know their companys service capabilities and then match those to the needs of their customers.
Salespeople must be capable of administering promotional programs and answering related questions in order to facilitate their customers participation. In addition, salespeople must understand the pricing structure of their products so that they may negotiate accordingly with the buyer.
Salespeople must possess knowledge of the markets they serve in order to develop and implement effective selling strategies. In addition, salespeople must understand their customers, including needs, personalities, and communication styles so that may be able to create and clearly communicate relevant solutions.
Competitor Knowledge
Salespeople must posses knowledge of their competitors so that they know how to position their products against those of their competitors.
Technology Knowledge
Salespeople must understand how to take advantage of technology (e.g., internet, computer, and telecommunications) that may help them be more competitive.
Ethics
Ethics refers to right and wrong conduct of individuals and institutions of which they are a part.
Clearly Wrong
Ethical Dilemma
Clearly Right
Image of Salespeople
Illegal Activities
Misuse Company Assets Defraud Con
Non-Customer-Oriented Behavior