<— return to the blog

[8 Steps To A Live Presentation That Sells Series] Article #10 ~ The Test Close

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print

When I’m doing a 90-minute presentation, I don’t actually move into the close until I determine that the audience is ready to buy my program or service. (The close is the last part of your talk, where you present the benefits, features, and cost of what you’re selling that day.)

How in the world do I determine that the audience is ready to buy?

I test, which I’ll explain in a moment, and I also observe.

For instance, people in the audience taking notes is a very good sign. It means they’re really interested in what I’m saying.

Conversely, if people are sitting in the audience with their arms crossed, and there’s not a whole lot of response going on, I haven’t gotten through to them yet. So I actually need to change what I’m doing or I won’t get many sales.

Test Their Readiness to Buy
I actually test the audience’s interest and engagement throughout my speech.

Several times, I’ll ask, “Is this making sense?” while raising my own hand. Then I see how many people in the audience are raising their hands as well. This tells me how many people are with me.

Until the majority of the hands go up in response to that question, I keep going and transforming my talk.

This requires me to do a little thinking on my feet. I may bring in other stories or testimonials or whatever I think is necessary to show the audience why they need the information I have. I do that until most of the audience is raising their hands.

Then I know they’re ready for a “test close.”

I’ll ask, “How many of you think that this would benefit you? How many of you would really like to double your income in the next 30 to 60 days?” I raise my hand, and look at theirs.

If their hands aren’t up, they haven’t bought what I’m selling yet, and I’m not moving into the close until they do.

Now, obviously, if I’m on someone else’s stage, at a certain point, I have to close. I can’t be booted off the stage without closing. But, also, I can’t force or oversell the close.

The truth is, you don’t actually sell during the close. You sell prior to it. Think about it, if you haven’t sold them on the value of your program when you’re showing them in detail how it has transformed your and other people’s lives, you’re unlikely to sell them on it later.

However, once you have sold them on the value of what you’re offering, once there’s a sea of hands in that room, you can safely move into the close. You can be confident that there will be a clamor for the back of the room ~ and a very nice payday for you and your promoter ~ when you’re done.

David Neagle, The Million Dollar Income Acceleration Mentor and author of The Millions Within, teaches entrepreneurs and commission-based sales professionals how to quantum leap their current incomes past the 7-figure income level, often in less than 12 months. As a world-class speaker, sales trainer, and success-mindset mentor to some of the globe’s top CEOs, David also privately mentors big decision-makers in their pursuit of quantum success and peace of mind.

P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 2 ways we can help you grow YOUR business:

  • The Successful Mind Podcast. Each week, we drop cutting edge information and strategies relating to success mindset, leadership, wealth creation, and relationships.
  • Join other like-minded small business owners in our Business Transformation Facebook Group! Allow us to be a place to share ideas, get advice, and meet others who value truth and growth!

Now Enrolling!

THE ELITE MIND

In this transformative program, you will:

With this program, you’ll experience a quantum leap in your business, propelling you towards extraordinary achievements and unparalleled success.

We start November 18th – do you want in?

If you’re ready to take ownership over your destiny and start living life on your own terms, this course will provide the step-by-step framework you need.

The time for excuses and playing small is over.

Are you ready to break through your limitations, gain unstoppable confidence, and claim the life you desire?

Then take the first step by joining 6 Steps to Personal Freedom right now.

Grab your ticket now before our Super Early Bird Pricing expires on July 2nd!

Program start date is October 9, 2023