Why Prospects Don’t Trust You: The Curse of Mastery
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Being an expert comes with what I call “the curse of mastery” – when someone tells you about their problem, you immediately try to solve it – because you can.
The curse of mastery also comes with this belief: Solving problems for your prospects up front is how you prove your value by showing them you know your “stuff.”
But trying to solve their problems by providing information and insights in your initial sales conversation is one thing that stops them from deciding to work with you.
When a prospect mentions they’re struggling with a problem, you may be tempted to share your knowledge and give them a range of solutions... and it may feel like the more knowledge you share, the closer they’ll be to engaging you.
But what often happens is they want to “go away and think about it,” which leads you into chasing and ultimately getting ghosted.
The key to overcoming the curse of mastery is to be aware that your prospects cannot always process the level of knowledge and information you possess as an expert.
And although they might listen, nod, and look impressed, behind the scenes, their mind is disengaging with you.
Trust is lost in this very moment.
At this early stage, your prospect isn’t interested in how their problem can be solved... that’s your concern as an expert.
What they want to know is if you’re the one they can trust to solve their problem.
Building trust with your prospect comes down to one simple principle: staying in their world, not shifting to yours.
Keep the conversation focused on helping them understand the depth of their own problems, but don’t offer potential solutions at this stage.
You might think, “How will they know I’m up to the task, unless I show them my competence up front?”
Before the sale, your only priority is to help them understand the gravity of their situation and the impact if they don’t prioritize addressing it.
An expert who merely understands a problem is competent.
But an expert who understands a problem so deeply they can explain the depth and context of it at a much deeper level than the person who has the problem understands themselves – that creates a higher level of perceived competence and trust.
They’re not just experts attempting to display their competence to convince the other person to choose them.
They’re experts with the desire and patience to help others understand what they don’t understand themselves.
Big difference.
Doubt is a natural response when you’re facing a problem you don’t understand, and this is the situation your prospect is in when they meet you.
When you stay in their world and focus on the depths of their issues, doubt is disarmed, and trust is created.
The opportunity to prove your competence and value comes after they become your client.
Trust is your only priority before they become a client.
Ari Galper is the world’s number one authority on trust-based selling and is the most sought-after sales conversion expert for Financial Advisors. His newest book, “Unlock The Sales Game” has become an instant best-seller among financial advisors worldwide – you can get a Free copy of Ari’s book here and, when you click the “YES” button in the order form, you’ll also receive a complimentary client growth consultation with Ari or one of his trust-based consultants. Ari has been featured in CEO Magazine, Forbes, INC Magazine and the Australian Financial Review. He is considered a contrarian in the financial services industry and in his book, everything you learned about selling will be turned upside down. No more chasing, no pressure, no closing.
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