Vulnerability = Strength

Vulnerability = Strength
Strength = Vulnerability

Most everyone agrees that listening to your prospect is the best path to a sale. But many people that I observe on a daily basis practice the “show up & throw up” technique of selling; they think their job is to verbally download every last feature and benefit of their product, and hope while they are talking (i.e. not listening), something they say will click and the prospect will say YES!

This NEVER works… Ever! So how does the salesperson get in the listening mode? I believe that one of the best ways to do this is, to let your very important ego, take a back seat for the moment and get vulnerable. Let the prospect know you don’t know everything; you are not sure your product will match his needs, but you would like to find out! Then you ASK (not tell) a series of questions.

Get vulnerable. Get curious. Be sincerely interested! Don’t act like you are interested when the prospect can see through your eyes that you are not even listening to the answer, and are just waiting for them to finish, so you can say the next thing.

Vulnerability is not easy. It’s not easy because we are taught to be confident; to instill confidence in others and to have expert product knowledge. But what I firmly believe, is you can have all of that confidence, and still need information from your prospect. You can’t expect to know everything about everyone. It’s impossible, so by asking the right smart questions, you will show more strength and self-confidence than if you blow through the 47 reasons why you think they would be the perfect fit for your product.

At the risk of getting bombarded with tweets and emails, I’ve seen that it is much easier for women to employ this process than men. I think men have a very hard time being vulnerable and offering up to the prospect that they don’t have all the answers.

Whether male of female, the salesperson who gets vulnerable, puts their ego in check, and asks a bunch of appropriate questions, is the stronger salesperson. They will definitely have the stronger results!

For a list of “must ask” questions for prospects who call in for space in your shopping center, CLICK HERE.

P.S. I am really into podcasts lately. A few of my faves are:

  • The Moment with Brian Koppelman
  • The Art of Charm
  • Tony Robbins

Send me your faves!

Share

Blog Comments

More Posts

Crush Your Canvassing Goals With A Plan

Stephen Covey said it best: “Goals are pure fantasy unless you have a specific plan to achieve them.” And that goes double for canvassing. You wouldn’t pack for a trip without knowing the destination—so don’t hit the streets without a clear strategy. Rockstars don’t wing it. They show up prepared, flyers in hand, and goals in mind. Here’s your quick-hit canvassing plan: Rockstar Tip: Rainy day? Even better. Stores are empty, and business owners are chatty. You’ll stand out. Bottom line: Canvassing without a plan isn’t just inefficient – it’s ineffective. Plan it, work it, lease it. Let’s go!

Read More

Create Flyers That Fill Space

Let’s be clear – the goal of canvassing is to start the conversation. That’s it. And the job of your flyer? To continue the conversation after you walk out the door. A great flyer isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a non-threatening, empowering little marketing machine that helps your prospect self-select whether you might be a fit for their next location. And believe me, it works way better than a lonely little business card. Start with a strong opener: “Hi, I lease six centers in the area…” (and hand them the flyer) “…What are your expansion plans?” Now they’re engaged, and that flyer gives them something real to react to. Here’s what every Rockstar flyer should include: Important: DO NOT list the rent. That part of the convo comes later. And don’t stress about the design. Use tools like Canva or Fiverr to make it look great without losing hours of your time. You’re a leasing agent, not a graphic designer. A flyer should work for you, even after you’ve left the store. So, get out there, and hand out something that opens doors and conversations.

Read More

Stop Overthinking. Start Canvassing

You don’t need a spreadsheet to figure out the “perfect” time to canvass. You just need to go. Seriously – too many leasing agents waste precious time trying to plan the ideal conditions. Best day? Best time? Only one use? Multiple uses? What if it rains? What if it’s cold? (Answer: suck it up, buttercup… or canvass the mall.) Let me give it to you straight: 97% of agents don’t canvass consistently – and they wonder why they’re not hitting their goals. Meanwhile, more than one-third of my deals come directly from good old-fashioned canvassing. Coincidence? Nope. Just discipline. Rockstars don’t wait for the stars to align – they put canvassing on the calendar and treat it like the priority it is. They set a goal (30 business cards or 3 hours, whichever comes first). They pick a target (either a specific use like nail salons or a geographic cluster). And then… they hit the street. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. They show up. And here’s a Rockstar tip: Some of my best canvassing has happened during downpours. Stores are empty. Owners are bored. You walk in, drenched and smiling – and boom, connection made. So stop waiting for

Read More

Power Play When Stuck with a Tough Vacancy

We’ve all been there. That one space just won’t lease. Your pipeline’s gone stale. You’ve called the usual suspects. You’ve followed up five times. Crickets. When that happens, it’s time to shake things up. Here are 5 creative ways I personally use to revive a sluggish prospecting plan—and yes, they WORK: You never know where your next lease will come from—so keep your eyes open, your questions sharp, and your mindset bold. Now go get that deal. Rockstar style.

Read More

Beth's Resources

Beth has established a reputation for “giving back” and creating a legacy of helping others. To support this mission, she offers a wealth of FREE resources for individuals in the retail leasing industry, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional. Her collection includes case studies from her nearly 40 years of experience, providing practical insights and guidance. With Beth’s resources, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of retail leasing and achieve your professional goals.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.