If you have ever worked in sales, you’ve probably been told “smile when you dial”, but does it really matter? And if so, why?
Smiling can affect your vocal tone, which can be perceived by the person listening. When meeting face to face, it’s very natural to smile, to bring warmth and build rapport, and the same is necessary on the telephone.
Smiling will help you seem warmer, friendlier and more approachable, which will develop crucial rapport during the initial and ongoing sales process.
Similarly, if you’re having a low or bad day, that mood and energy can be picked up, and be interpreted negatively. We all have bad days, it’s OK to feel how you feel, but if you aren’t feeling great, consider taking a walk outside, taking a break, or having a cuppa and a chat with a co-worker to share the load. Having a reset and coming back to your work refreshed, uplifted and ready to go will be better than making calls when feeling low. Sometimes less is more.
So, smile when you dial may be a bit more than a cliché! It’s important to feel what you’re feeling, take a break when needed, and be at your best when making your sales calls. If you’re feeling good, you help the person on the end of the line to feel good too.
