The Art of Sales: Why Value Trumps Features Every Time

Mastering the Art of Building Value: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re aiming to boost sales and better understand your customers, you’re in the right spot. Our guide, a part of the “Sales 100 – Building Basic Sales” series, unveils essential tips and tricks to bridge the gap between a product’s feature and its real-world value.

Key Insights: Why Do Customers Buy? The moment a prospect believes a product holds more value than its price, they’re likely to purchase. It’s that simple. As a salesperson, your ultimate goal is to make this value crystal clear. Every. Single. Time.

The Sales Trinity: Feature, Benefit, and Value Sales jargon can get overwhelming, but let’s simplify:

  • Feature: It’s what your product offers.
  • Benefit: The positive outcome this feature brings.
  • Value: The deeper, often emotional reason your customer cares.

Ever heard the drill bit analogy? Instead of emphasizing the drill bit’s material or precision, consider what it means for the user. Maybe it’s about a DIY enthusiast ensuring a flawless home project, or a father teaching his child about the importance of using quality tools.

Diving Deeper: Real-World Applications Take, for instance, the advanced Infiniti’s Bose Performance Series Entertainment System. While the system itself is top-notch with 17 speakers and multiple technologies, its true value varies per user. For the rock music lover battling daily commutes, it’s an immersive concert-like experience right in their car, transforming mundane drives into awaited journeys.

However, this sales pitch might fall flat for someone who’s only into talk shows or podcasts. In such cases, the high-fidelity sound system might not be their top priority.

Key Takeaway: Every customer is different. While the feature remains consistent, the perceived benefit and value can vary. It’s essential to pinpoint what resonates with each customer. If they can’t see the value, they might see it as an unnecessary expense. Your role? Guide them, help them visualize, and let the product’s value shine.

Remember, it’s not just about selling; it’s about building trust, understanding needs, and showcasing value. Dive into the world of sales with this mindset, and success is just around the corner.

Your customer wants to buy. He needs you to help him believe.

Books Available

Post COVID Car Sales

Post COVID Car Sales - A Guide For Selling Cars In The Post-COVID Era - Buy now on Amazon

A Guide For Selling Cars In The Post-COVID Era

The Simplest Sales Book

The Simplest Sales Book - The Beginner's Blueprint to Sales Success - Buy now on Amazon

The Beginner's Blueprint to Sales Success

The Master Salesman

The Master Salesman - Jesus and the Art of Service - Buy now on Amazon

Jesus and the Art of Service

Related Articles


Adjusting Your Sails: The Significance of an After-Plan in Sales Success

Emphasizing the importance of having an “After-Plan,” the article explores the challenges of maintaining success or coping with near misses in business. Using 3M’s pivot from mining to product innovation as an example, it underscores the need for adaptability and preparing for outcomes, both anticipated and unexpected, in one’s journey.

read more

Unlocking Sales Success Through Self-Reflection and Growth

Embracing personal growth can elevate your sales game. Introverts and extroverts both face unique challenges in sales, but by recognizing and addressing them, success is attainable. Think of sales as a craft; refining skills and understanding human behavior is key. Self-improvement enhances confidence, sales techniques, and paves a clearer career path.

read more

Navigating the “I Need to Think About It” Maze in Sales

Salespeople frequently encounter the “I need to think about it” objection. This hesitation has underlying reasons—budget concerns, trust issues, or value doubts. Instead of traditional follow-ups, a more direct approach can unveil the real concern. In today’s rapid decision-making environment, understanding and addressing core concerns can turn hesitations into sales.

read more

Why Improve YOU

The article emphasizes personal growth’s role in enhancing sales skills. Recognizing personal traits, like an introvert’s aversion to rejection or an extrovert’s over-reliance on charm, helps in addressing obstacles in sales. A salesperson, akin to a craftsman, must refine their skills and understand human behavior. Self-improvement leads to confidence, better sales outcomes, and career success.

read more

Reframing Greed: The Successful Salesperson’s Guide to Abundance

In sales, “greed” shouldn’t be about hoarding wealth but a strong belief in abundant opportunities. While the iconic “Wall Street” film celebrates greed, real success combines generosity, ambition, courage, and belief. Generosity means giving more than expected and donating to causes. Ambition recognizes endless opportunities, while courage ensures action. Unwavering belief drives success, but it doesn’t replace hard work, self-investment, motivation, or sacrifice. For true success, prioritize these values over mere wealth accumulation.

read more

The Simple Steps to Sales Mastery: Showing Up, Giving Your Best, and Learning More

The article emphasizes the significance of consistent self-improvement in sales. Sales success is rooted in a firm belief in one’s product, company, and oneself. The writer highlights three pivotal strategies: 1) Being present and focused at work every day, 2) Doing your best, acknowledging that ‘best’ may vary daily, and 3) Continuously learning to enhance your skills and understanding of the market. These foundational steps, simple yet powerful, are key to boosting sales outcomes and personal growth.

read more

The Power of Value: Elevating Your Sales Performance

Successful sales hinge on demonstrating a product’s value, transcending mere features and benefits. Salespeople often mistake selling tangible features for the intangible value they provide. Using examples like drill bits and car radios, the article underscores the importance of understanding and presenting how a product improves a customer’s life. Effective communication and rapport-building are essential.

read more

From Conversation to Conversion: 36 Questions to Build Rapport

“Building strong rapport is key to successful sales. By utilizing the F.O.R.D method—focusing on Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dogs (or Pets)—salespeople can foster genuine relationships with clients. This not only enhances the sales process but also aids in closing deals in a less confrontational manner.”

read more