The CLOSER framework is a sales methodology designed to guide conversations with prospects to maximize the chances of closing a sale. Here’s the full breakdown with all details and substeps:
C - Clarify Why They're There
- Goal: Understand the prospect’s motivation for engaging.
- Action: Start the conversation by asking questions that help identify the reason they are on the call or meeting.
- Example Questions:
- "What prompted you to hop on this call today?"
- "What made you respond to my email/post?"
- Purpose: Establishes rapport and puts you in a position of authority since they reached out.
L - Label With a Problem
- Goal: Identify and confirm the prospect's pain points.
- Action: After understanding why they are there, label the problem they are trying to solve.
- Steps:
- Paraphrase what they’ve shared to show you understand.
- Label the issue in terms they can relate to.
- Example:
- "So, it sounds like you're struggling with [problem], and you're looking for a solution that does [desired outcome]. Is that right?"
- Purpose: Helps the prospect feel heard and understood, and you can ensure that you're on the same page.
O - Overview Their Past Experiences
- Goal: Uncover what the prospect has tried before and why it didn’t work.
- Action: Explore the prospect’s history with similar solutions or attempts to solve their problem.
- Steps:
- Ask about previous solutions or efforts.
- Identify what worked and what didn’t.
- Gauge their frustration and disappointment with past experiences.
- Example Questions:
- "What have you tried before to address this?"
- "What results did you see from that?"
- "Why do you think those approaches didn’t work for you?"
- Purpose: Builds a deeper understanding of their situation, which you can later use to contrast with your solution.
S - Sell the Vacation, Not the Plane Flight
- Goal: Focus on the benefits and end results, not just the features of the product/service.
- Action: Paint a picture of the desired future state or outcome the prospect wants.
- Steps:
- Highlight the ultimate benefits and end results.
- Use vivid, emotional language to describe the outcome.
- Example:
- Instead of describing the features of a software, say: "Imagine being able to streamline all your operations so efficiently that you can finally focus on growing your business instead of getting bogged down in details."
- Purpose: Shifts the conversation from technical details to emotional and aspirational outcomes, making the offer more compelling.
E - Explain Away Their Concerns
- Goal: Address objections or hesitations that may prevent the prospect from buying.
- Action: Systematically tackle any concerns they have about your offer.
- Common Concerns to Address:
- Specific Program Details: Address any confusion about the product/service itself.
- Time Commitment: Clarify how time-efficient your solution is.
- Budget/Cost: Justify the investment or offer flexible payment options.
- Decision-Making Authority: Help them gain confidence or provide materials to share with decision-makers.
- Fear of Making a Mistake: Provide reassurances, such as guarantees, testimonials, or trial periods.
- Steps:
- Ask directly: "What concerns do you have about moving forward?"
- Use stories, case studies, or testimonials to alleviate their worries.
- Example:
- "I understand that this seems like a big investment, but our clients typically see a return within three months, and we have a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out."
- Purpose: Helps overcome the final hurdles in the prospect’s mind, making it easier for them to say "yes."
R - Reinforce the Decision
- Goal: Ensure the prospect feels confident and excited about their decision to purchase.
- Action: Strengthen the commitment immediately after the sale is made.
- Steps:
- Congratulate them on making a great decision.
- Reiterate the benefits they’ll soon experience.
- Set clear expectations for the next steps.
- Example:
- "Congratulations on making a great decision! You’re going to love how this transforms [aspect of their business/life]. Here’s what will happen next..."
- Purpose: Reduces buyer’s remorse and increases the likelihood of a long-term relationship by making the prospect feel good about their choice.
Substeps within the Framework: