Do You Mind If I….Take Notes?

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(By Rick Fink) It seems like a silly little question, and in some ways it is. But it can also have a profound impact, and just might be so obvious that it catches them off guard and captures their attention.

When you’re calling on a new business and about to start your “CNA” meeting, just as you take out your notepad or computer, ask the person, “Do you mind if I take notes?”

Of course, their answer will always be, “Yes”, or “I don’t mind at all”. While it seems obvious that you would take notes, it’s the subliminal message you send that has an impact. It tells the prospect you are engaged, ready to listen, serious about what you do, and that you are focused. This is also a good point to assure them, or reassure them, that everything you discuss is confidential.

Throughout the questions and answers, if you miss something, don’t be afraid to ask, “Can you repeat that?” or “Did I hear you correctly?”. Then restate what you thought they said. Again, this little sign of being really engaged can often give them the confidence that you are really there to help them, and that you are a professional.

You’ve heard the expression, “little things mean a lot”. When you’re asking business owners to spend their hard-earned dollars with you, it’s more than just an expression. The “little things” are often what determine whether they trust you enough to say “yes” to your recommendations. After all, what they are really saying “yes” to – is YOU!

Do you mind if I take notes?

NEVER Stop Learning – Get Better Every Day!

 

Rick Fink from ENS Media (www.ensmediausa.com) can be reached by phone at 605-310-2062 or e-mail at [email protected]

3 COMMENTS

  1. Take all the notes you want, but careless mistakes in a presentation are a sure way to lose business….

    “Do you mind if I take notes?”
    Of course, their answer will always be, “YES”

    Assuming their answer will be YES to that question implies that they DO NOT want you to take notes. You suggest that a successful strategy is to take notes anyway which shows that you are listening, engaged and there to help.

    Little things mean a lot…..

  2. I don’t trust sales reps who don’t take notes, whether in-person or on virtual calls. It’s one reason I don’t like talking to a rep who is obviously in a car and likely driving — your attention is divided (and should be on the road) when it should be on our conversation.

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