D C A M P A I G N
Menu
Logo

As a salesperson, you’ve likely faced the inevitable question on sales calls: “What makes you better?” Or perhaps, “Why should I buy from you?” At first glance, these questions seem like golden opportunities to highlight your product or service. But in reality, answering them directly may do more harm than good.

In this blog, we’ll uncover why responding to these questions can backfire, how to reframe the conversation, and actionable techniques to build trust and close deals.

1. The Trap of “Sameness”

Why Answering the Question Is Risky

When you answer “What makes you better?” you run the risk of sounding like every other salesperson the prospect has spoken to. It’s easy for your well-rehearsed response to come across as sales jargon, making you blend in with the competition rather than standing out.

The “Oh Sure” Perspective

Your carefully crafted answer may also be met with skepticism. Prospects often view direct answers as sales fodder—statements designed to sell rather than genuinely address their needs. This can make it harder to build trust and establish credibility.

2. Shift the Conversation with Questions

The Power of Asking Instead of Answering

Instead of jumping into a detailed explanation of why you’re better, consider responding with questions. For example:

  • “Is this a product or service you’re currently using?”
  • “What would you like to see done differently with your current provider?”

These questions help you gather valuable insights into the prospect’s needs, preferences, and pain points. With this information, you can tailor your pitch to align with what they’re truly looking for.

Situational Awareness Is Key

Understanding the prospect’s situation is crucial:

  • If they’re currently using a similar product, ask what they’d like to improve.
  • If they’ve never purchased this type of product before, avoid giving away too much information upfront, which could turn into a comparison checklist for competitors.

3. How to Avoid Commoditization

Don’t Provide a “Shopping List”

When you directly answer what makes you better, you risk giving prospects a checklist they can use to compare you to competitors. This commoditizes your offering, reducing it to a set of features rather than a tailored solution.

Reframe the Question

Instead of providing a list of features, ask:

  • “Was there something you were hoping we could offer that’s better?”
  • “If we could provide something different, what would you hope for?”

These questions shift the focus back to the prospect’s needs, positioning you as a problem-solver rather than just another salesperson.

4. The Courage to Change Your Approach

Why Emotional Control Matters?

Responding with questions rather than answers takes courage and emotional control. It’s natural to want to jump in and highlight your product’s strengths, but pausing to gather more information can yield better results.

Building Trust Through Curiosity

When you show genuine curiosity about the prospect’s situation, you differentiate yourself from competitors who focus solely on pitching. This approach builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations.

5. The Benefits of This Strategy

Gain Valuable Insights

By asking the right questions, you uncover critical information about the prospect’s preferences, challenges, and goals. This insight allows you to craft a response that directly addresses their needs.

Stand Out from the Competition

Most salespeople default to answering questions about their product or service. By taking a different approach, you position yourself as a thoughtful, customer-focused professional.

Close More Sales

When prospects feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to trust you and ultimately choose your product or service.

Answering “What makes you better?” might seem like the right move, but it often leads to skepticism, commoditization, and missed opportunities. Instead, focus on asking insightful questions that uncover the prospect’s true needs.

This approach not only sets you apart from the competition but also helps you build trust and close more deals. So, the next time a prospect asks what makes you better, resist the urge to answer and start asking the questions that truly matter.

Tags:
When do they work well, and when do they on us and finally, when do we actually need how can we avoid them.

© DCampaign | All Rights Reserved