By Guest Writer Emma Crosby

While there are many factors that are universal when it comes to achieving success in sales, there are some that are specific to selling financial services. Some are simply because of the nature of those services, and others are because they are services rather than products or commodities.

There’s a big difference between selling financial products and selling financial services, and it’s important to understand that even before getting into the business. Every client is different, and they have different needs, and that means they each require different solutions. It’s crucial to treat every client as an individual, and making a personal connection with each client you work with is a good way to help achieve this. Making a personal connection is increasingly important in all areas of sales, whether it’s in retail, customer service, or financial services. Also important is understanding that most clients don’t want to buy your services and then just walk away—they want your advice, too. For the most part, everyone who sells financial services is selling the same products; the difference you provide is you, and how you tailor those products to your clients’ needs. [Read more…]