Don’t know the answer to a question? Turn it into a sale! (2024)

When aprospect asks aquestion, and you don’t know the answer, there is auniversal look of terror that comes over salesperson’s face,right?

Let’s get one thing straight. The only person who knows everything is your boss. (If you’re the boss, then it’s your spouse or partner or both.) But take heart if you don’t know all the answers, it could be aselling opportunity.

Here are the, “If you are asked aquestion that you don’t know the answer to,” ground rules:

  1. Compliment the person asking the question.It makes them feel important, intelligent and respected.
  2. Be human.Admit you don’t know the answer.
  3. Don’t fake an answer.Tell the truth in acreative way.
  4. Be funny.“You should have asked me this question 10 years ago Iused to know everything back before Iturned twenty."
  5. Listen to everything associated with the question.And the implication that the answer maybring.
  6. Write down answers and facts.To show you care and that the customer is important.
  7. Look for the opportunity.To use the answer as asale clincher.
  8. Find out when the information is needed.And write down the date andtime.
  9. Determine how important the answer is to the sale.If it’s critical, the answer and the opportunity are greater.
  10. Complete the rest of the presentation.And if possible, try to have the sale hanging on the answer to the unknown question.

Here’s an example of how to admit you don’t know it in apositive way, “Wow, that’s agreat question, no one ever asked me that before. I’m clueless about the answer but I’m dying to find out myself. I’m going to personally find out and get back to you with the answer. By the way, what should Ido with the information? If the answer is [give an option], should Igo ahead and place theorder?”

Here are some helpful ideas about the situation and the answer:

  • Deliver the answer in person. The phone gives you no leverage.
  • Use the unanswered question as areason to reschedule before leaving the prospect’s office.
  • Find out the answer before you promised. Surprise the prospect with the speed of your service.
  • Use the tactic of “if then” if possible, “If the answer is [this option] then wouldyou?”

Not knowing an answer is not aproblem. It’s asymptom. There are implications of the unknown answer that may be the root of theissue.

  1. You may need more product knowledge.
  2. There may be product or service applications you never thought of.
  3. You’re not as familiar with how your product is used by your customer as you need tobe.
  4. You may not be familiar enough with your prospect’s industry.
  5. You may not be knowledgeable about how your prospect’s customer is served.
  6. Your market may be changing.

If you decide you are going to try to fake the answer, here are the ramifications:

  • You will probably guess wrong, making you look even more stupid down theroad.
  • The prospect will be able to sense that you are unsure of yourself.
  • Sometimes salespeople try to avoid the question. This is worse (and more insulting) than anything you cando.
  • By not telling the truth and being found out later, or on the spot, any chance for arelationship (much less asale) is over. Relationships are built on trust. Truth is the foundation oftrust.

If the answer does lead to asale, there’s abig bonus. You may be able to use the answer to sell others in the same business category or industry as your prospect. WOW!

If it’s aquestion you can’t answer…tell the truth…it may lead to asale.”

FREE GitBit

Want afew real smart questions? Well, since everyone sells something different, I’ll give you the lead-​ins to the questions and you adapt it to whatever you sell. Fair enough? Just go towww​.gitomer​.com. Register if you’re afirst time user and enter SMART QUESTIONS in the GitBit box.

© 2020 All Rights Reserved. Don’t even think about reproducing this document without written permission from GitGo, LLC, Jeffrey H. Gitomer and Buy Gitomer. 704/​333‑1112

Don’t know the answer to a question? Turn it into a sale! (2024)

FAQs

Don’t know the answer to a question? Turn it into a sale!? ›

Offer to find the answer

When you don't have the answer to part, or all, of a client/potential client question, the best way to handle it is to offer to look up or find out this information. Tell the client you don't know, but you will find out. Try to give them a timeline for when you will have an answer.

How to answer a question you don't know the answer to in sales? ›

Offer to find the answer

When you don't have the answer to part, or all, of a client/potential client question, the best way to handle it is to offer to look up or find out this information. Tell the client you don't know, but you will find out. Try to give them a timeline for when you will have an answer.

What do you say if you don t know the answer to a question in an interview? ›

You could say something like “I've never encountered that before,” or “I'm not familiar with that term.” From there, ask for clarity before proceeding. Once the interviewer clarifies, use the new information to answer their original question. This showcases your ability to adapt and apply new information quickly.

How do you find the answer to a question that you don t know the answer to? ›

How to answer questions you don't know
  • Take your time. ...
  • Think aloud. ...
  • Admit you're unsure. ...
  • Use flexible thinking. ...
  • Repeat the question. ...
  • Ask follow-up questions. ...
  • Offer to come back to the question later. ...
  • Acknowledge the question's value.
Jun 9, 2023

What will you do if you don't know the answer to a guest question? ›

It's Okay if You Don't Know the Answer

People have gotten really good at detecting dishonesty and have no tolerance for it. Even if you mean well by trying to guess at an answer, you're always better off offering to look up an answer or find someone who knows the answer.

How to professionally say you don t know the answer to a question? ›

However, responding “I don't know,” probably won't do the person seeking answers any favors—or make you look any better. A smarter option? Say, “I'm not sure I'm the best person to answer that,” then follow up with the appropriate referral to your boss, another department, or whoever can better answer the question.

What to say if you don't know the answer in an interview on Reddit? ›

I usually just say I don't know, but sometimes I would know something tangentially relevant and try to tie the question to that to domeonstrate at least demonstrate some domain knowledge. Usually if you're really stumped on something they'll just move on.

What to say when you don't know the answer in Viva? ›

The Best Way To Say I Don't Know

I don't know could be your answer to a question in the viva, but it doesn't have to be all of your answer. Say why. It can be as simple as “I didn't do that” or “I didn't read this.”...

How to answer a question when you don t know the answer during a presentation? ›

If you don't know the answer, accept it; ask for what their answer would be. This might help you understand if they have understood the topic as you had intended to or can possibly give you a different perspective.

What to say if you don't know the answer in a defense? ›

After a few futile attempts, feel free to say that you don't know the answer. You may even be bold enough to say, “Since none of my answers are acceptable, I would really appreciate it if you could give me some pointers or tell me what would be a correct answer.”

What to do if you don t know the answer to a question on a test? ›

Come back to items you were unsure of: Put a mark next to any questions you are unsure of. If you complete the entire exam with time to spare, review these questions – you will often get clues (or even answers) from other questions.

How do I find an answer to a question? ›

Having a question that you don't know the answer to can be frustrating. Luckily, you can use a variety of different tools to solve your inquiry. Depending on the question, you can use a search engine, conduct extensive research, or contact a professional. Before long, you'll be that much closer to finding the answer.

What do you do when you don't know the answer to a question interview? ›

What should you do if you don't know the answer to an interview...
  • Acknowledge the question.
  • Ask for clarification.
  • Explain your thought process.
  • Use a related example.
  • Be honest and positive.
  • Here's what else to consider.
Sep 25, 2023

What do you do when you don't know an answer to a patient question or how do you address such situation? ›

Responding with “I'll find out” is a highly effective answer. Let the patient know you would like to consult a colleague, a research article, or medical resource, to find the information or verify your thinking.

What to say when someone doesn't answer your question? ›

You could ask them if they have seen your question and if they have, let them know you have been wondering why they haven't answered. They might've missed it, something might be going on for them or they've felt uncomfortable answering that question. Either way, getting an answer will help you take it from there.

How do you respond to a request when you do not know the answer? ›

Offer To Find The Answer

If asked something you don't know, the best thing to do is be honest and say you don't know. Then, offer to find out the answer. If you're not familiar with a topic, ask for someone on your team to help you out.

How do you react when you receive no for an answer in sales? ›

The first is, “We don't take No for an answer”. The idea is that we don't end our sales call just because the customer tells us they don't want to buy from us. We are supposed to persist through the “No” until we mentally wrestle the customer into submission and they say “Yes”.

How do you answer a question without really answering it? ›

10 Ways to Avoid Answering a Question
  1. No comment.
  2. I'm not at liberty to say. (= I don't have permission to give the information)
  3. Wait and see. ...
  4. Let me get back to you. ...
  5. I'm sorry, that's confidential.
  6. I'm sorry, that's personal.
  7. I'd rather not talk about it.
  8. It's none of your business.

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