Beyond tech: using all your senses in business

Human beings love to interact – it’s part of who we are. But as we’ve become increasingly consumed with screens, we’ve started to lose touch with our most basic ability to connect with one another.

Rather than handing out gadgets to each of my sales employees and letting machines do the work, what I’ve found consistently yields better sales results is human interaction. Technology enables us to be more efficient, but it shouldn’t define the entire sales experience. We’re already fully equipped with what we need to acquire a customer – our five senses.

A natural, positive interaction boils down to being highly engaged and genuinely interested. Here are some tips on harnessing the five senses for business success:

Stir up a feeling
The sense of touch allows us to connect beyond a superficial, salesy greeting. It gives us the ability to pick up on each other’s energy and create a comfortable and trusting environment from the get go. Greet people with a warm, firm handshake to establish a sense of trust. Trust your instinct and trust your gut to guide you in conversation. When it comes to others’ feelings, always be genuine and sincere. Show a genuine interest in what the other person has to say.

Listen up
You have two ears and one mouth – and they should be used as such. When you’re having a conversation, listen twice as much as you speak. Talk more about them and less about you. The other person will appreciate this and will be open to hearing what you have to offer. Face to face and belly to belly is always the easiest way to sell.

See it through
Maintain eye contact during a conversation. Show interest in what the other person is saying and, more importantly, how they respond to what you’re saying. Also, be aware of body language – both yours and the other person’s – to help keep the conversation relevant and appropriate. Leaning in slightly demonstrates that you’re actively listening. Simple actions of agreement like nodding and smiling let the other person know that you’re on their side.

Beyond just a taste
Food and drink help make the atmosphere of a meeting more comfortable and less formal. Offering the other person something to eat or drink also slows down the rate of the interaction, makes it more natural and allows the conversation to happen at an authentic pace. Try getting to know a client over lunch or a coffee. A simple gesture of hospitality makes the other person feel valued and shows their comfort and wellbeing comes first.

A scent to remember
Smell can impact a sales pitch more than you might think – smell is immediate and emotional. A pleasant fragrance can attract a person’s attention, uplift their mood and even tap into a happy memory or association. When you smell good, it reflects on how well you take care of yourself and care about others. It’s a small detail that speaks to your professionalism and can help make a lasting impression on the other person.