In my last post, I talked about “differential demonstration” and the “Ta-Daaa Girl”. She’s the one on the game shows who waves her arm to show all the lovely prizes a contest might win. Yes, that’s a real job.
I want to explore differential demonstration a bit more, because I think there are many new home salespeople who still don’t understand how to effectively present a model to a potential buyer. The key to new home demonstration boils down to answering the buyer’s unspoken question:
“What’s in it for me?”—or “WIIFM?” as the marketing industry likes to call this approach to establishing value proposition.
You can guide the buyer through the home and point out lovely features, but if you don’t connect the value to the prospect, you don’t gain any points. You haven’t effectively communicated to this person why they should care about that feature. You need to establish that connection and make it personal. Paint the picture of this individual, couple, or family living here in this home. They should picture themselves, with their furnishings, eating meals, relaxing in the living room, playing in the yard, working in the garage. Make no assumptions that they are having these visions. For all you know, they are overlooking a valuable feature, or are simply distracted.
Try this as you walk through the family room:
“This is where you and your family will spend most of your time. You can see, we move away from a traditional plan and have combined the family room and the kitchen in a manner that is both convenient and inclusive, meaning everyone in the family can enjoy one another’s company.”
When you give your buyers a tour of the kitchen, ask them to picture themselves preparing meals in this space. “Don’t you love this kitchen? This open design allows everyone in the family to spend time with one another. How’s the kitchen design feel to you?”
In the master bath, communicate the value of the double vanity. “The design of double vanity is perfect for the on-the-go couple trying to blend two busy and sometimes similar schedules—getting ready for work or play at the same time. Also notice the enclosed, private toilet. It allows two people to access to the bathroom to dress, groom, or wash at the same time, while still affording privacy and space.
From room to room, plant the seed that converts their minds from browsing to living. Pull them into this home, rather than just showing it, like the Ta-Daaa Girl.
Before you demonstrate a home, differentiate it. Walk-through and create scenarios for buyers. Be prepared to adapt your presentation to the needs and wishes your prospects have communicated or might appreciate. Show them a room that would be ideal for a home office or media center, even if it isn’t presently decorated for that purpose. It’s your job to create the image of this model being a home to your buyer.
If you can’t answer their “WIIFM?” question, you haven’t done your job.
Myers Barnes is America’s favorite new home sales trainer, author, speaker and consultant. For more information, please visit www.myersbarnes.com.
