How the heck do you sell anything in 30 seconds or less; you say it can't be done. Yes it can! What is the number one reason people will buy something from YOU? It is because you earned their trust, you were nice to them, you treated them with courtesy and respect when others have not; therefore, they are still shopping. This is your opportunity to make a good first impression and the sale.

YOU HAVE EXACTLY 30 SECONDS TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION!

That's it, that's all and usually no second chances, because in this super fast paced world we live in – if you don't make a good first impression in 30 seconds or less – your customer is on to the next website or person or store that will treat them the way they feel they deserve to be treated and rightfully so.

So exactly how do you go about ensuring that you make a good first impression from your initial point of contact? Well that depends if you are emailing, on the phone or in person.

o EMAIL – If you are communicating through email it is more difficult to make a good first impression than if you are in person where your customer can hear your tone of voice and observe your body language; however, it can be done. The best way to do this is to use VERY descriptive words, words that express emotion. For Example: Wonderful, Awesome, Great, Appreciate, Grateful, Super, Thank You, Sincerely, Lovely etc. There are so many emotion words you can use to get your sincerity across. Make sure you do not type your email in all CAPS because in the web world this states that you are shouting and that is usually done in anger and you don't want that! Also, don't assume that your email is expressing the tone that YOU think it is. As you know from email that you have received, it is the perception and mood of the receiver that sets the tone. You will not know when you send an email how the receiver will perceive it. So better safe than sorry; use very descriptive words that express emotion – every time!

o PHONE – When communicating over the phone, the number one most important thing you MUST do when answering the phone is to SMILE. A smile can be heard over the phone – did you know that? Try it for yourself and you will be able to detect the difference, I promise! Make sure that your customer can hear the sincerity in your voice; if they do you will have gained almost instantaneous trust, because they will feel that you really are going to be able to help them. Use a pleasant, friendly voice; do not use a monotone voice EVER! These techniques do take practice but it will increase your sales guaranteed! You may think that you are already doing some or all of these things; however, you probably are not using them to the extent that they need to be. What I mean by that is – in order to be communicated properly over the phone; you will need to over emphasize your words and your voice. Remember you are not in person and the customer on the other end cannot see your body language or your beautiful smile.

o IN PERSON – Well this one is easy but it doesn't come naturally for everyone; therefore, again you will have to practice. The very first and most important thing you must do is SMILE, even if you can clearly see that the person is angry. If the person is angry, don't over do it, but show them that you are friendly and are there to help. Use appropriate body language, don't cross your arms, listen carefully to what they are saying and don't interrupt. Be sure to have direct eye contact at all times while they are talking and while you are responding. If you are friendly, use a pleasant tone of voice and smile you have won 90% of the battle even if you are new or don't know much about your product. Everyone has been new at some point in time and can and will relate to that. You can always find out what you need to know to help them.

The bottom line in the sales world is that people WILL buy from people they like! Guaranteed! You must form a relationship and earn their trust and you will be on your way to your next sale!