The words you use with your prospects can have a huge impact on how they feel about you. Use the right words, and you can open the door to lasting and fruitful relationships. Say the wrong thing, and you can shut down conversations on the spot — and maybe forever.

Wondering if you utter any words that could kill conversations with prospective buyers? Read on. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we’re highlighting a blog post from Hunt Big Sales, a sales strategy and sales consulting company, on statements that salespeople should always avoid saying.

“It could be huge!” This overly salesy statement can kill conversations because it’s just not believable. The blog post points out that your prospects will either berate you for the exaggeration or pepper you with questions. Salespeople love to use this phrase because they’re enthusiastic about their offering. However, you’re better off toning it down and not using this over-the-top phrasing.

“It could be the next (fill in the blank)!” Like the previous statement, this ones comes jam-packed with assumptions. Whatever product or service you’re pitching your prospect, it likely won’t be as earth-shattering as you are making it out to be. Yes, it may solve a specific challenge, but if you use this wording, your prospects probably won’t want to stick around to learn more.

“This is going to be fairly easy. We only have to do a couple things different than usual.” This is a conversation-killer because it’s rarely true. Salespeople who say this almost always lose their audience. They don’t know how hard the task will be if it’s outside of the norm. Don’t promise your prospects that something will be a breeze if you’re not sure it will go smoothly.

“We have the inside track on this one.” Salespeople should be confident, but not arrogant. This statement is basically touting how great you are and how your company is worlds apart from every other company. This statement can kill conversations because it sounds too much like bragging. Plus, you don’t know for sure that other companies aren’t pitching the same thing as you.

“Is now a good time?” This question can kill a conversation before it even starts because you’re giving the prospect a chance to say no. Instead, when you get your prospects on the phone, say something like, “It’s great to speak with you” or “I’m glad I caught you.”

Some words and statements allow you to build bridges with your prospects, while other terms and phrases build walls. Stay mindful about the statements above. If you find yourself or any of your team members saying these phrases, make a conscious effort to change your wording. You just might save more sales relationships—and close more deals.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Hunt Big Sales is a sales strategy and sales consulting company that helps companies increase profitability.