The Apprentice_ Task 10: Sales presentations

Challenge: To select a range of 'easy sell' products and pitch them to discovers via a TV selling channel.
Aim: To sell as many units as possible and make the most profit in half an hour.

Skills Tested:
- Ability to hit sales targets
- Evolving a sales pitch that holds attention
- Knowing when to change tack

Business lesson: Teamwork

When the pressure is on, clarity is everything. It's critical that each indivudual knows what they are doing and is not overloadedwith information that leaves them dazed and confused. had the team leaders got the balance right?

Its important to present yourself well. If you're launching a product and giving a presentation to a customer or group of costumers, you have to know exactly what the unique selling point of your product is and be able to get that message across quickly and clearly. The buyers needs to know what features will be of relevance to him or her. How is the product special? Why do they want it? How will it enhance their lives?

Presenting a sales pitch can be nerve-racking, so it's important to be well prepared. Waffling, pausing, apologizing or stuttering will leave your audience cold, whether you're on their doorstep or their TV screen. You not only need the accurate information to present, but you also need the confidence and ability to perform in order to draw in your audience.

Telling your potential customer how well the products sells, how few you have left in stock, and how little time they have to make their decision to buy can often increase anticipation and speed up the buyer's decision-making process.

To give a good presentation you need to:
- Learn by doing
- Be well prepared
- Make sure you are looking in the right direction and not confuse people by giving mixed messages
- Offer enough sales facts to entice a sale, but nos so many that you bore your audience
- Realize that timing is important
- Have the ability to entertain and hold an audience
- Anticipate questions that could be asked

You need to know when to push and when to step away from chasing a deal. In the true salesperson an instinct develops and you can tell when you've got a done deal.