It’s amazing to me to see how many companies have underwhelming sales presentations. Instead of wowing their prospects with a visually impressive deck, they have a dull presentation that is packed with text and lacks sizzle.
We are all visual creatures. A cleverly designed, well-written presentation can sway prospects on looks alone—and in sales, that’s powerful stuff.
Here are five tips to give your sales presentation a big leg up:
1. Show, don’t tell
We live in an era of short attention spans. That’s why visuals help a lot. So think “outside of the text box” and have an artist design graphics that best illustrate what you are trying to convey.
2. Don’t follow the herd
Many companies follow a similar flow in their presentations. They start with a company overview, and then expand on it. If you want a great presentation, shake things up. Think of what your prospects will want or need to know first. Visualize a story that is compelling and follows a good argument. After all, your presentation is intended to win over prospects, not just educate them.
3. Simplify
I see this mistake often: companies try to cram lots of information into each slide, hoping to minimize the number of slides in their deck. But a slide packed with text is hard to digest and can look terrible. Break up your message into digestible chunks, each on its own slide. And remember, a presentation is not a brochure. Don’t overdo it with long sentences or paragraphs of information.
4. Dazzle them
A mediocre presentation won’t captivate anyone. Examine your presentation and ask yourself, “Would I be impressed by how this looks?” If the answer is no, it’s critical to do something about it. After all, you need to win over prospects with an exciting design that looks sharp—and makes your company look sharp. Keep in mind that your marketing is a representation of your company and its capabilities.
5. DIY can cost you
Many of you may be reading these tips and think, “Yeah, I can do that.” But beware. Unless you’re a professional writer and artist, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to create a presentation that wows your prospects. This is no time to skimp. Investing in a great sales presentation will pay for itself many times over. If your sales presentation doesn’t blow away prospects, it’s best to get expert marketers and designers involved.
Ready to hire experts for your sales presentation or other marketing or public relations projects? Just reach out to us at Info@StrategicVantage.com or call (305) 971-6239. Prepare to be amazed at the difference it will make.
By Rosalie Berg, President, Strategic Vantage