Science-Based Sales Techniques to Help You Hit Your Quota11 min read

Many people wonder whether sales is an art or a science. 

My answer would be – both. 

But, if you want to be a good artist, you need to know all the nitty-gritty and fundamentals of your art, which, in this case means that great salespeople heavily rely on scientifically proven techniques and strategies. 

Here are some tested-out and working selling techniques that have been corroborated by numerous stats. 

What Is Science-Based Selling?

When we’re talking about science-based selling, we’re referring to a strategy that’s a combination of different sciences, such as psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics. 

Unlike traditional selling, which is focused on salespeople, science-based selling puts an emphasis on the buyer. 

The main idea behind this approach is that with the help of scientific research, salespeople can better understand what is going on in their prospects’ minds, how they make purchasing decisions, and how to influence their decision-making process.

1. You Need a Hero! 

Storytelling is a powerful vehicle for both marketing and sales. 

Studies say that people tend to remember stories much better than facts alone – 22 times, to be more precise. 

Naturally, every story needs a main protagonist or a hero. 

And the hero of your story isn’t your product or your brand.

It’s your customer, and what you should do is shine a spotlight on them. If you’re wondering how to do this and make it work, say no more. 

One of the best ways to capture your prospects’ attention is by weaving your product or service into a narrative that revolves around certain relevant pain points and issues. 

Talk about problems in order to build rapport with your customers – depict them as the hero who is faced with an obstacle. 

Don’t hesitate to present yourself as their mentor – someone who has all the right resources and tools to help them take the bull by the horns. 

Your guidance is only a catalyst that will give your customers insight into their own potential to solve the problem. 

In other words, don’t try to end your story by glorifying your product or service. It’s your customer who should take the stage. 

Take a cue from Nike, as the company uses storytelling from day 1. Their famous Waffle Trainer story, which has now become implemented in every pore of the Nike brand, is perfectly aligned with the company’s tagline – Just Do It. 

A running coach, Bill Bowerman, tried to solve the problem of a running shoe suitable for different surfaces and got the idea in his kitchen by looking at his wife making waffles. 

He took the waffle iron to his workshop, made the urethane, and poured it into the kitchen appliance. The result was a waffle-inspired sole with rubber spikes that provided great traction.  After this discovery, Bill went on to patent his idea and start Nike with his student Phil Knight. 

Every Nike campaign tells a story of those who try and never give up, only to finally overcome their challenges and succeed.

2. Waste No Time 

Time makes all the difference when it comes to conversion. 

Did you know that if you reach out to a new prospect within the first five minutes after lead generation, they will be eight times more likely to convert? 

So, instead of playing hard to get and waiting for the best moment to get in touch with your new leads, (just) do it the very minute they’re generated. 

Similarly, be extremely responsive when it comes to customer queries and requests, as it also highly impacts their decision-making process. Sometimes, all it takes for a customer to make up their mind and purchase something is the right product information. 

That’s why following up with your prospects on a regular basis and responding to their questions within minutes plays an important role. 

3. Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out Over and Over Again 

Following up with your prospects is such a crucial strategy that it requires a separate paragraph. 

Many salespeople and marketers are worried that their persistent outreach attempts might be perceived as harassment, which is one of the reasons why 44% of them give up after just one follow-up. 

That’s a big and costly mistake, as it takes approximately eight cold outreach attempts to reach a prospect, while 80% of sales require at least five follow-up calls after the meeting. 

Naturally, it’s not a good idea to call and email your prospects every day without creating a sales cadence. It should serve as a roadmap that will help you reach out to every segment of your audience in a personalized manner and via their preferred channel of communication. Besides that, a sales cadence provides your sales reps with a framework they can follow. 

Most importantly, a sales cadence defines your sales cycle and establishes the time gaps between follow-up attempts. 

In other words, this framework will help you stay on your prospects’ radar without being too pushy and annoying. 

4. Yes, You Can Sell on Social Media 

While it’s true that you most definitely shouldn’t start pitching the moment you connect with someone on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, as it’s a surefire way to be ignored or unfriended, you can leverage social selling tactics to increase your bottom line. 

90% of top salespeople are using social selling, so you’d better jump on that bandwagon if you want to succeed. 

What you should know, however, is that this is a pretty subtle tactic, as a hard-sell approach doesn’t work on social media. 

Instead of that, polish your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with people from your industry. 

In order to get something, you first need to give – make this your mantra, and join different groups in which you can contribute to discussions by giving your opinion and sharing your expertise. 

It’s also a good idea to start providing customer service via social media channels, too, as that’s a good way to respond in a timely manner and show that you care. By using social customer service software, you can easily keep track of questions and comments, making it simpler to respond in a timely manner and really connect with your audience.

Besides building a strong social media presence, another very effective way to ramp up your social selling efforts is to take the first tip from this text – make your customer the hero of your story. 

Do that by sharing your customer success stories. That way, you will show how your product or service is amazing without having to blow your own horn. Don’t forget that social proof is crucial these days.

5. Use Mirroring

Psychology says that birds of a feather always flock together. In other words, people feel comfortable when surrounded by those who think and behave in a similar way to them, as well as share some common values. 

That’s why it’s important to use mirroring when talking to your prospects. Be it the tone of voice, gestures, mimics, or similar words and a sense of humor, these prosodic characteristics of language can help you build rapport with your audience. 

This will, in turn, result in them seeing you in a more positive and friendly light. 

Again, research shows how this can improve your sales. 

Namely, according to a study, customers tend to buy (and spend) more if salespeople mirror their behavior. 

This is a pretty simple trick, but in order for it to be effective, don’t overdo it and make sure that you genuinely believe what you say.  

It’s no rocket science, but it’s still good to know what stats say so that you can fine-tune your sales approach.

6. Be Positive and Smile

Never underestimate the power of positivity in sales. 

People who smile are perceived as more likable, and likable sales reps close more deals. 

No wonder since they seem more approachable, friendly, and helpful. 

It’s much easier to connect with your prospects if you greet them with a smile and ask them how their day is. This sets the tone for the entire interaction, and they’re more likely to be responsive and open. 

A positive attitude and a smile are the cornerstones of a great customer experience. And this approach works even when you’re communicating with your customers via phone, especially when you’re cold calling and trying to maintain the human element in your calls.  

Believe it or not, people can tell whether you’re smiling on the phone – they might not see your smile, but they can definitely hear it. 

Also, start your conversation with an optimistic comment, as it can also have a positive impact on the outcome of your proposal. The last thing one wants to hear during a long and stressful day at work is something negative. 

So, keep your chin up and smile.

7. Never Trash Your Competitors 

Gossiping is never a good idea when it comes to business. 

That’s why you should absolutely refrain from talking bad about your competition. 

You’ll only make your prospects feel uncomfortable, and you’ll come across as someone who doesn’t have anything good to say about your own product or service. 

Instead of presenting yourself in the best light possible, saying bad things about your competitors will result in a phenomenon called Spontaneous Trait Transference. 

In other words, your prospects will attribute the bad traits you’re describing to you, and they will later associate all the bad things you say about your competitors with you. 

According to science, it’s like a boomerang – if you’re bad-mouthing your competitors, it’s your reputation that will suffer. 

8. Harness the Power of Data-Driven Decision Making

In the digital age, data is a goldmine that can dramatically refine your sales strategy. 

By systematically analyzing customer data, you can uncover patterns and preferences that inform more personalized marketing efforts. 

Use data analytics tools to segment your audience and tailor your messages according to the specific needs and behaviors of different groups. 

This precision allows you to craft offers that resonate more deeply and convert at higher rates. Furthermore, tracking engagement and conversion metrics enables you to continuously optimize your tactics, ensuring that your sales approach remains fresh and effective.

9. Leverage EQ

AI might be the buzzword that has taken the world by storm, but there’s a more powerful tool to help you sell more — EQ or emotional intelligence. 

Understanding and empathizing with your customers can transform your entire relationship with them. 

Emotional intelligence in sales involves recognizing your prospects’ emotions and adjusting your approach accordingly. This skill will enable you to create more meaningful connections and build trust with your prospects, as well as move beyond what’s perceived as a purely transactional relationship. 

Train your team to listen actively to the concerns and needs of customers and to respond with empathy. The trick is to offer solutions to your audience’s pressing pain points without asking for anything in return. 

This way, potential customers will be more likely to see you and your team as trusted advisors rather than just vendors. 

Such a shift in perception can significantly increase your chances of closing deals, as customers often choose to buy from people they respect and feel understood by. 

Moreover, by positioning yourself as a resource that genuinely cares about their success and well-being, you create a foundation for long-lasting customer relationships that are based on loyalty and mutual respect.

Closing Words

Sales is a cut-throat field, which means that you should use every opportunity to succeed. Adopting these innovative, science-based selling techniques will give you a competitive edge and help you outperform your competitors who are still using outdated methods.