Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Making the Ask
3. Asking in Person
4. Asking in an Email
5. What to Ask For
6. Asking About Purchase
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Asking for the business is a classic sales process move. It’s the moment when you, as a salesperson or business owner, ask your potential customer or client to make a purchase, sign up for a service, or commit to a contract. While the concept is simple, there’s an art to asking for the business. Knowing the right way to ask can help you close the sale faster and increase your success rate.

Making the Ask

Asking for the business is a powerful moment, so you want to be sure you capitalize on it. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of the ask:

• Be prepared. Always be ready to ask for the business at any point in the sales process. You never know when the moment is right, so make sure you’re ready.
• Be confident. Confidence in your product and in yourself will help your ask be more effective. Be sure you know the features and benefits of your product and be ready to explain why it’s the best solution for the customer.
• Be humble. Asking for the business can come off as too pushy if you’re not careful. Be sure to use language that acknowledges the customer’s needs and respects their decision to buy or not.
• Be patient. Don’t rush the customer. Give them the time they need to make their decision and be sure to be available to answer any questions they have.

Asking in Person

When you’re in person with a customer, you have the advantage of being able to read their body language. This can help you decide when the time is right to make the ask. Here are a few tips to help you make the ask in person:

• Make eye contact. Eye contact is an important part of making the ask in person. It shows that you’re confident in your product and that you value the customer’s decision.
• Be direct. Don’t beat around the bush. Be clear and direct in your ask. Explain why your product is the best solution for the customer and ask them to buy.
• Listen. Don’t just talk. Listen to the customer and be ready to answer any questions they have. This will make them feel more comfortable with making a decision.
• Be open to negotiation. Be ready to negotiate on price if the customer is interested but hesitant. Offer discounts or other incentives to make the deal more attractive.

Asking in an Email

When you’re asking for the business in an email, it’s important to be clear and concise. Here are a few tips to help you craft an effective ask:

• Be polite. Make sure your email is well-written and respectful. Don’t be too pushy or use aggressive language.
• Be concise. Get to the point quickly. Explain why your product is the best solution for the customer and make your ask in the first few sentences of the email.
• Include a call to action. Make sure your ask is clear and include a call-to-action button or link that makes it easy for the customer to buy.
• Include a thank you. Always thank the customer for considering your product. This shows that you appreciate their time and attention.