Everyone loves the Internet and what it can do for increasing sales for many businesses, but even with all of the advancements in technology, nothing works better for lead generation than getting out there and meeting with others in person. Although there are advantages to Internet lead generation, one thing that you can not do online is convey feelings with vocal tones and facial expressions. Face-to-face meetings are more intimate, and a great way to do business. Here are some ways that you can close sales the old-fashioned way:

Don't just drop in unannounced: Just as your own time is valuable, so is the time of your customers. If you just drop in on someone without letting them know ahead of time, you could catch them at busy times when they are unable to meet with you. Many people also consider it rude. With so many ways to be able to contact people these days, from telephones to emails and faxes, there is no reason why you should not be able to set up an appointment to visit your prospects in person. Your consideration for their time will be appreciated, and you are likely to get that appointment. Then, you can get down to the nitty gritty of your sales pitch.

Find out what your customers want: Before you launch right into your sales pitch, sit down and talk with prospective customers, and find out what it is that they really want or need. This way, you can find the best way to present your products and services in a way that they fit in with their needs. Asking questions will provide you with the information you need to alter your sales pitch as needed to get the sales you want. If you do not have what they need, you will endear yourself to customers by supplying them with information about a competing business. They will remember this, and will often do business with you at a later date.

Don't sell products, sell solutions: What you are trying to offer your customers is not just a product, but a solution to one or more of their problems. Listen to them, and take in what they are telling you. They don't care about you or your brand, only finding the products and services they need, and getting value for their money. By listening, you are able to find solutions to their issues, and explain how your products or services can help them, and better than those of your competition.

Suggest, don't sell: People really don't like a hard sell, and they like to feel like they make the decisions themselves. You can influence their decisions by making suggestions throughout the sales call. If customers have any objections, you can make suggestions to overcome those objections. You are basically going to have to act as more of a consultant than a sales person, but the help you are providing will often be enough to seal the deal. As mentioned above, you may even have to recommend your competition, but in the end, this is just going to make you look even better and more trustworthy.

Get something out of each meeting: Even if you are not making a sale at every meeting you have, you can still walk away from that meeting profiting in some way. You may have just gotten a referral to see someone else who may be interested in your products or services. Your prospects may not be ready to buy, but they may know others who are, and if you play your cards right, you can get this information. The better your relationship is with your clients, the more referrals you will feel comfortable about asking for.

Author's Bio: 

Andrew McCombe is the owner of Activate Your Business where they teach new and existing business owners to Start, Grow and / or Automate their business(es) with EASE, so they can live a life of EASE. For more information visit http://www.activateyourbusiness.com.au