by Randall CraigFiled in: Blog, Growth, Insight, Make It Happen Tipsheet, Marketing, StrategyTagged as: Journey, Omni-Channel, Trust Curve
Have you ever felt that you were being “sold” to? Perhaps an over-the-top marketing campaign, or perhaps a slightly-too-pushy salesperson? If so, then you’re not alone; the question, however, is why. And why do organizations so often encourage such off-putting activities?
Some of the obvious reasons:
Beyond these reasons (and the many more), the main reason why organizations market and sell the way they do is because it works. But might there be another way to drive sales that is more aligned to how a prospect thinks? And might these other approaches be even more effective? Our Trust Curve client journey model provides some clues.
The Trust Curve describes the strengthening trust (and relationship) between an organization and a prospect, as the prospect becomes Aware of their need and aware of the organization, Prefers the organization over competitors, goes through a Trial (or “Test Drive”), and ultimately Commits. From the prospect’s perspective, a simple example:
Awareness: My car just died – I need a new one.Preference: I prefer Toyota, and specifically the Toyota Sienna minivan.Trial: I’ll go to the dealership and take a test drive.Commitment: I’m ready to sign the contract.
Unpacking this model yields some interesting insights. For example, how might the prospect feel at different stages of the Trust Curve? What is their emotional state of mind?
Awareness: Annoyed – didn’t expect to replace the car.Preference: Curious about the alternatives.Trial: Excited to try something new.Commitment: Nervous about the purchase, but confident in the decision.Post-Commitment: Satisfied, and possibly some uncertainty (buyer’s remorse).
At each stage, the prospect has a number of questions: if answered satisfactorily, the prospect will move themselves up the Trust Curve:
Awareness: How do I decide what to get?Preference: Does Toyota make a mini-van?Trial: I wonder if I will like it? Does it really meet my needs?Commitment: Should I get it here? Or somewhere else? Can I really afford it? Should I buy or lease?
Using these concepts, the questions for marketers will be very different:
This week, look at your current marketing and sales plans: what changes need to be made to answer these questions… and move prospects up the curve, instead of down it?
Marketing Insight: If you feel that you are being sold to, it is either because the marketing is aimed at answering the wrong question, or because the marketing activities do not take your emotional needs into account. Said another way: answer the right questions and address the emotional needs at each stage of the Trust Curve, and the buying process will be consummated, seemingly all by itself. There really isn’t a need to “sell”, if you spend your time helping a prospect help themselves through the buying process.
Does this topic resonate? Reach out to Randall: he can present it to your group. (More presentation topics) Download Randall’s professional credentials: Speaker credentials one-sheet or Management Advisory credentials.
@RandallCraig (Follow me for daily insights) www.RandallCraig.com: Professional credentials site.
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