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Why Outcome-Based Selling in today's VUCA world massively outperforms Product-Led Selling

Jan



 

Outcome-based selling is a sales approach that focuses on helping customers achieve specific outcomes or goals, rather than simply selling them a product or service. This approach is gaining popularity in many industries, as it helps salespeople better understand the needs and challenges of their customers and allows them to tailor their solutions to meet those needs. In contrast, product-based selling is a more traditional approach that focuses on selling specific products or services, regardless of the needs or goals of the customer.

There are several reasons why outcome-based selling is often considered to be a better approach than product-based selling:

  1. It helps salespeople build stronger relationships with customers: By focusing on helping customers achieve their desired outcomes, salespeople can build trust and credibility with their customers, as they are seen as being more concerned with the customer's needs than simply making a sale. This can lead to stronger, more enduring relationships with customers, which can be particularly valuable in industries where customer loyalty is important.

  2. It allows salespeople to differentiate themselves: In many cases, customers have a variety of options when it comes to purchasing products or services. By focusing on outcomes, salespeople can differentiate themselves from competitors who are simply selling products or services. This can help salespeople stand out in a crowded market and increase their chances of making a sale.

  3. It enables salespeople to create value for customers: By helping customers achieve specific outcomes, salespeople can create value for their customers. This can be particularly valuable in industries where the value of a product or service is difficult to quantify, as it allows salespeople to clearly demonstrate the value of their offerings to customers.

  4. It allows salespeople to be more consultative: Outcome-based selling often involves working closely with customers to understand their needs and challenges and helping them identify the best solutions to meet those needs. This consultative approach can be particularly effective in industries where customers value expertise and guidance, as it allows salespeople to position themselves as trusted advisors.

  5. It can lead to longer-term customer relationships: By helping customers achieve specific outcomes, salespeople can create value for their customers and build strong, trusting relationships. This can lead to longer-term customer relationships, as customers are more likely to return to the salesperson or company when they have additional needs or challenges.

Overall, outcome-based selling is a more customer-centric approach that can be more effective at building strong, lasting relationships with customers and differentiating salespeople from competitors. It allows salespeople to create value for customers, be more consultative, and position themselves as trusted advisors. While product-based selling can still be effective in some cases, outcome-based selling is often a better approach for creating long-term value for both salespeople and their customers.

By Chris Luxford

Keywords: Customer Experience, Leadership, Sales

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