Sales buzzwords are a problem for most professionals, and can lead to an inability to be understood by colleagues or customers. In this post we'll outline the 30 words that will help you avoid sounding like a salesperson from 1990s. We'll also provide some alternatives so you can stop using these outdated phrases at work today!
No salesperson wants to be accused of being a sales robot. Yet, many salespeople are guilty of using too many sales buzzwords and generic phrases during sales conversations.
Buzzwords have invaded the sales vocabulary where generic phrases are rolled out with little regard for they play in the sales process.
The Sales Hacker community shares their take on the best and worst buzzwords, when to use them, and when not to.
When salespeople use buzzwords, they can come across as disingenuous and insincere.
Buzzwords can also make it difficult for buyers to understand what you’re saying.
The goal is to find the right balance of using sales buzzwords sparingly so that you still sound like a human being while getting your message across.
- sales buzzwords have invaded the sales vocabulary where generic phrases are rolled out with little regard for they play in the sales process.
- when salespeople use buzzwords, they can come across as disingenuous and insincere. Buzzwords can also make it difficult for buyers to understand what you’re saying.
- the goal is to find the right balance of using sales buzzwords sparingly so that you still sound like a human being while getting your message across.
Buzzwords are trendy terms that have become cliched as a result of their overuse. They're also frequently utilised among peers or other business experts in a corporate atmosphere.
When speaking with prospects and leads, certain buzzwords should be avoided because they make you appear less human and more like an unapproachable salesperson.
Some sales jargon have no real value in a sales conversation. In fact, utilising certain hackneyed keywords can cause your sales team members to doubt you or make them feel confused.
Most buzzwords may be replaced with powerful words that help you connect with potential clients.
Let's look at some buzzwords that your sales team should strive to avoid using.
1. Disrupt, Disruptive Innovation, Etc.-
To describe how what you're offering disrupts the marketplace for your industry, you don't need to utilise the word disrupt. Disruptive innovation is frequently misunderstood as something novel, unconventional, or cool.
However, disrupt and disruptive innovation are not synonymous, and many new startups and digital companies aren't truly disruptive. The term should be phased out.
2. Strategic planning
It should be obvious that your product aids clients in achieving their business goals. They are unlikely to consider your product or service unless they believe it would benefit them strategically.
This buzzword doesn't help to distinguish your goods during the sales process and should be replaced with something else.
3. Use of leverage
This is a rather generic term that doesn't help you explain your sales pitch. When a salesman claims that your solution allows them to make better use of their existing infrastructure, they should explain how.
4. Alignment
Right now, alignment is a trendy topic. Everything revolves around aligning various aspects of a company in order to improve it.
But, in terms of your service, what does alignment imply? Explain how alignment benefits customers and what it means to them.
For example, if your solution can align marketing and sales, that's excellent, but does it do so on its own or does it necessitate their participation? This type of vague catchphrase is a recipe for perplexity.
5. Core Competency
A core competency is a fancy term for the item that gives a business an edge over its competition.
It's not a term that clarifies anything, so it's better if it's substituted with a simpler word or phrase that your leads can grasp.
6. Get to Work Right Away
At the end of practically every pitch, you'll hear this overused buzzword! Instead, explain how your product or service will assist them in making positive development with the new initiative you're offering.
7. Innovate
The term "innovation" should be used to products, services, and businesses. Something has to be fresh and new to be considered innovative. Something exciting to look forward to.
Many salespeople lose credibility and trust when they use the word creative wrongly as a buzzword for their product, although this isn't always the case.
8. Make a pivot
The term "pivot" refers to changing something about a product that wasn't working. Simply give them the truth about what went wrong and how things have improved since then.
9. Accountability
When you hear "account based" in a pitch, your ears should always perk up. Someone who has no concept what account-based sales or marketing entails frequently uses it.
If the company you're dealing with takes an account-based approach, talk about how your solution can help generate account-based sales.
10. Freemium
This is a bit of a contradiction. Either something is free or it isn't. And if it's a "high" quality item, it's almost certainly not free.
11. Quick Victory (s)
There is no such thing as an easy victory. The truth is that seeing a return on any investment takes time. Instead, talk on the long-term benefits to acquire their trust.
12. Return the Circle
This is a strategy used by salespeople to keep on track with their goals. Your salespeople, on the other hand, should make it a point to answer queries as they arise.
They shouldn't circle back since they frequently forget what they were going to circle back to in the first place.
13. Simplify
Streamline is one of those sales buzzwords that doesn't always make sense in the context. It's more of a filler term than anything else.
Filler terms should be avoided if they don't give your sales talks the clarity they require.
14. Revolutionary
This is yet another overused sales jargon that should be outlawed. Every digital firm is attempting to "revolutionise" something.
It's more likely that the lead or prospect you're speaking with is more interested in how you can help them than in whether or not your product is innovative.
15. Keep it safe
This one is actually quite amusing. Would your salesperson try to sell you a solution that isn't safe? We sincerely hope not.
16. Technologically Difficult
This is an old school term that is used far too frequently in today's world, and it should be avoided because it undercuts someone's talents.
Let them know that using your solution is simple, and that if they have any problems in the future, your customer service can assist them.
17. Proposition of Value
This is a very confusing term that should be used with caution. Simply explain how you can assist them and why they should choose you. This is primarily accomplished through your service and the manner in which you treat them.
There's no need to use this keyword to persuade someone.
18. Make an upsell
"More money" comes to mind whenever I hear the word "upsell." Upselling is good, but prior to the upsell, underline the value of the product or service.
19. Taking charge
This is a major one in the IT sales world, and it's been done before. If you're in charge of your industry, feel free to use this term. However, if you can't back it up, don't use it.
20.Cutting-Edge Technology
Cutting edge has lost its usefulness as a buzzword due to its overuse by IT salespeople. It's a meaningless phrase that's become filler, like "streamline."
Other words that are related to your product or service can be used to create excitement. It should be self-evident.
21. Sensitive
Every product or service should be simple to use and offer a positive customer experience. It's the very minimum that any gift should provide.
You should allow prospective prospects to try out your product or service to see if it is user-friendly.
22. Make Contact with the Ground
Another eye roll – it's a cliched and worn-out term. Instead, say when you'll contact the prospect and when you'll contact them.
23. When it's all said and done...
Another unpleasant jargon has surfaced. "At the end of the day, even in the worst case scenario, our product will deliver you 25 new leads," for example.
By avoiding this term, you can cut through the fluff and get right to the subject.
24. Bleeding Edge
Bleeding edge technologies are a variation on cutting edge technologies that are so new that they haven't been thoroughly tested. Early adopters frequently had to pay a higher price to use them.
Take a step back and concentrate on dependability.
25. When salespeople want to appear as experts in their area but have no knowledge what their product actually performs, they utilise this term.
Use this word that doesn't make sense if you want to establish yourself as an expert on your company's offerings.
26. Big Data
This is a broad phrase that encompasses a wide range of data and information. If your organisation assists people with data management, make sure to let them know so there are no misunderstandings.
27. Make a profit
Everything in sales revolves around monetization. monetize this, monetize that, commercialise everything.
We understand. What does it say to your prospect that you make money out of things?
If your product or service is known for making a lot of money, it's likely that customers came to you for that reason. The word monetization has no bearing on your sale.
28. Effectiveness
Why would someone want to buy your product if it didn't improve their productivity? They're undoubtedly aware that your product or service is effective, but they don't realise how effective it is.
By providing concrete figures, explain how your product improves efficiency.
29. Make a 100% donation
This is cliched, and with all the other customers you have to deal with, it's probably impossible. It's just another flowery term that gives a wonderful fantasy for your leaders.
When your prospects come on to work with you, try to explain how your team will assist them win.
30. Thinking Outside the Box
Is it better to stay in the box or get out of the box? Why bring up the subject of a box at all?
Rather than utilising this dull and overused term, remind your bosses that your team uses creative thinking to find innovative and effective solutions.
Give them examples to help them understand so they may have faith in your talents.
1. Consider the following scenario:
When you ask your prospects to "imagine" what it would be like to utilise your product or service, you can put them in a favourable frame of mind.
Customers who have a clear vision of how they will adopt or use your product or service to better their lives or businesses are more inclined to buy after hearing your last sales pitch.
2. Conserve
Everyone enjoys saving money, and your prospects want you to provide them with value by informing them of the amount of money they may save.
Consider the following example:
Use X product or service to save time.
When you sign up right now, you'll save 15%.
When you purchase two extra services, you will save 40%.
3. Keep it simple
The majority of people do not have time for lengthy procedures. Make it clear to potential customers how simple it is to sign up for your service and purchase your product.
People are more willing to try something new if it is simple.
4. We are
Although the statement "we're all in this together" is overused, the word "we" is not. It communicates to your customer that you are on the same team and share the same goals.
5. Possibility
The word "problem" has a negative connotation.
Instead of expressing you understand the issue, say you see an opportunity to assist them in making things work more smoothly. Make it all on the solution rather than the issue.
6. It's not about your firm while you're selling.
Try not to go on and on about your company's activities. Tell the prospect what your company performs for them as much as possible by using the word "you."
Put them in the middle of the tale your company tells to market your product or service.
7. Their Given Name
A good sales conversation requires personalization.
Don't be scared to be personal and refer to them by their first name. It helps to build trust and creates a more relaxed environment in which your prospect or customer is more likely to open up.
Saying their names out loud will help you recall them. It's a win-win situation.
8. Take action
Using the word "try" implies that you already know you're going to fail. "I'll attempt to..." is not a good phrase to use.
Instead, say, "I'm going to...," or something like. This helps you appear more capable and increases a person's trust in you.
9. Convergence
Words that indicate team support and agreement have a significant impact on your consumers' perceptions. When you introduce your team to a possible buyer, make sure the buyer understands that everyone is on the same page.
By describing your team's consensus, you're assisting them in comprehending the solution you propose and creating team confidence.
10. Because
When introducing your products or services to a lead, the term "because" is always an excellent choice.
Why?
Because you're going into great depth about what it does, what your organisation does, or another important aspect of your services.
You're elaborating on your prior statement's meaning and defining its goal.
Sales buzzwords have their place, but they're usually utilised to give the impression that the salesperson is an expert. Always get to the jargon-free bottom line when assisting your prospects in making an informed purchasing decision!
