Certain Business Phrases Raise Big Red Flags
The most important characteristic your business needs to possess is authenticity.
Everything you say and everything you do is gauged by prospective clients to be either genuine or have ulterior motives. There are certain business phrases that will raise red flags with any client.
The following words and phrases are big no-nos for any entrepreneur:
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1) But…
Using this word completely devalues, even dismisses everything you said leading up to it. It may also give your client the impression that you’re BS-ing.
2) How Are You?
While this is a polite phrase, it’s also so overly used that for many it’s become devoid of authenticity. Think about all the sales calls you receive. Many of these calls begin with, “Hello Mr./Mrs. Smith, how are you today?” Most times, this is said in an over-the-top, ‘sickenly’ sweet tone.
[bctt tweet=” This is one of those business phrases that puts anyone on high alert.”]
3) Are You Ready to Purchase?
Hearing this question makes your clients feel like they’re simply wasting your time if they don’t make a purchase. You never want to give the impression that you’re only speaking to them to make a sale.
[bctt tweet=”You want to show genuine concern as well as a desire to help them. “]
4) I Can Certainly Try
With this statement, you’ve just told them that you may or may not help them. It leaves them with the impression that you’re not truly concerned about their needs.
Always provide reassurance, exude confidence, and display concern for their needs.
5) Trust me
Why in the world would you make this statement when it’s the number one phrase used by liars, cheats, and thieves? Of all the business phrases that raise red flags, this is surely one of the worst.
[bctt tweet=”Trust isn’t something you ask for or demand. “]
It’s established and earned through authentic communication.
6) Well, to be honest…
So…you weren’t being honest before?
Everything you say is going to result in a person trusting you or being suspicious of you. There’s something about this particular phrase that instantly triggers the subconscious to question whether or not you’ve been honest the entire time.
7) Maybe & Perhaps
These two words crush all confidence.
[bctt tweet=”When you’re dealing with clients there is no maybe or perhaps.”]
They want to know if what you have is going to help them, not if it will ‘maybe’ help them. Using either of these words ruins your clients’ trust in your services and products.
8) I Disagree
The word ‘disagree’ immediately puts a barrier between you and the client. It places them on one side and you on the opposing side. In order to maintain trust, you always have to be on your clients’ side.
[bctt tweet=”Saying this word subconsciously puts the client into defensive mode. “]
There are other reassuring business phrases that instill trust you could use instead, like ‘You and I share a common goal’ or ‘The data shows…’.
9) Obviously
This is one of the most condescending words you can use.
What’s obvious to you isn’t going to be obvious to a potential client. Otherwise, they would never consider doing business with you in the first place. The word insinuates that you’re calling them ignorant since ‘obviously’ they don’t know what the subject matter is.
You’ll have stronger client relations and more consistent sales by remaining on the same level as your clients, not by putting yourself above them. Nobody is comfortable being demeaned.
By eliminating these off-putting business phrases from your vocabulary you will stop raising red flags with potential clients and be able to openly communicate with them.
[bctt tweet=”This way, you will meet their needs and grow your business.”]
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