Harness the Power of Priming to Close the Deal

Harness the Power of Priming to Close the Deal

Understanding the psychology behind the buying process can provide valuable insights for sales professionals to help close the deal. Psychological experiments, such as those exploring the priming effect, reveal how contextual cues and facial posture influence decision-making. We’ll explore the implications of these findings, particularly in relation to the effective use of testimonials.

By leveraging the priming effect and strategically incorporating testimonials early in the sales process, you can enhance the impact of social proof and increase the likelihood of closing deals. Discover how to apply these insights to your sales presentations and create a powerful positive influence on prospective buyers.

The Power of Priming 

I have recently become captivated by the intriguing discoveries stemming from psychological studies focused on the buying process. Allow me to share a condensed version of a fascinating experiment:

The experiment involved presenting a series of food pictures to a group of individuals. The study leaders then displayed a word with a missing letter and asked the participants to fill in the blank. Here is the word they were presented with: S O _ P

Remarkably, the participants swiftly deduced the missing letter and nearly always arrived at the word “SOUP.”

In another iteration of the experiment, a separate group of individuals were shown images related to bathing, washing, and cleaning. They were subsequently given the same task of completing the word puzzle: S O _ P

Interestingly, this time, the participants overwhelmingly generated the word “SOAP.”

Despite the puzzle being identical in both scenarios, there was one crucial difference: the context surrounding the puzzle.

Similarly, facial posture can impact perception, as holding a pencil between teeth from side-to-side led participants to rate a joke as funnier. These findings emphasize how our brains react based on contextual cues and priming stimuli. By understanding this phenomenon, sales professionals can leverage it to their advantage.

Harnessing Testimonials as Priming Tools 

Testimonials serve as powerful social proof, validating the value of a product or service. Instead of using testimonials as an afterthought, integrating them strategically early in the sales process can enhance their impact. By sharing positive testimonials at the beginning of a sales presentation, you prime the customer’s perception and create a greater level of appreciation for your offering.

For instance, consider a salesperson selling no-maintenance roof gutters. Mentioning a satisfied customer’s experience early in the conversation, such as Jack and Jennifer Thompson’s positive outcome after installing the gutters, primes the prospect to recognize the benefits and value of the product. This casual mention establishes social proof and subtly influences the prospect’s perception.

The Principle of Social Proof

Psychologist Robert Cialdini’s principle of social proof highlights the impact of observing others’ actions on our own decision-making. When prospects see testimonials from individuals similar to themselves, they are more likely to follow suit and perceive the product or service favorably. By incorporating testimonials early in the sales presentation, you provide social proof that resonates with prospects, validating their potential decision to choose your offering.

Utilizing Priming Effectively

To capitalize on the priming effect, integrate testimonials strategically at the beginning of your sales process. Keep the mention of positive customer experiences concise and natural, avoiding overt sales tactics. Allow the testimonials to serve as a foundation for building trust and credibility throughout the presentation. By priming prospects with social proof early on, you create a positive predisposition towards your product or service, increasing the chances of closing the deal.

Understanding the power of priming and testimonials in the sales process can significantly enhance your closing success. By leveraging the priming effect and strategically incorporating testimonials early in your sales presentations, you create a positive influence on prospective buyers. Remember to keep the testimonials authentic, relevant, and concise. Harness the principle of social proof to establish trust and credibility, ultimately increasing the chances of closing the deal. Integrate these strategies into your sales approach and witness the transformative impact on your sales outcomes.


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About the Author: Jeff Shore

Jeff Shore is the Founder and CEO of Shore Consulting, Inc. a company specializing in psychology-based sales training programs. Using these modern, game-changing techniques, Jeff Shore’s clients delivered over 145,000 new homes generating $54 billion in revenue last year.