Old-School Sales Tactics That No Longer Work (and What to Do Instead)

I was recently time-warped to the 1980’s as my good friend shared a recent timeshare “meeting” that turned into a hardcore masterclass on everything that no longer works in sales. 

Especially with a marketplace that’s more diverse than ever and only continuing to evolve. 

It all started with fun and games among “friends” but it ended with a burn so deep that it will never turn back into a buying customer. 

This is why I’m sharing it with you - these aggressive tactics can have long-term effects that make sales overall more difficult.

The Timeshare Disaster: A Case Study in Outdated Sales

Picture this: A jacked salesman, bragging about his success, telling rehearsed (and probably false) stories about his grandmother to manipulate emotions, using fake flattery to win favor and then an uncomfortable amount of pressure for this new “friendship”.

This isn't just bad (and exhausting) sales - it's a relic of a bygone era when the only people buying or selling were aggressive men.  

But here's the kicker: The prospect was a Colombian woman who saw right through the act. 

The result? A completely ruined sales opportunity and a customer who'll never trust timeshare salespeople again.

4 Crucial Reasons Your Sales Need to Evolve Now  

1. Diversity Is the New Normal: Today's buyers and sellers come from all backgrounds, genders, and cultures. One-size-fits-all tactics (especially old-school, aggressive tactics) simply don't cut it anymore.

1. Women Communicate Differently: Some men might appreciate a bit of bravado, women often prefer connection, empathy, and genuine conversation.

1. Cultural Nuances Matter: What works in one culture might be offensive in another. Ignoring these differences is a recipe for a sales disaster.

1. Authenticity Over Performance/Showmanship: Putting on a “sales show” is draining for buyers AND sellers. There’s a more efficient, authentic, and effective way to do sales now. 

The Timeless Sales Strategy for 2024 and Beyond

So, what's replacing these outdated tactics? Don’t be fooled by its simplicity: 

1. Genuine Curiosity: Ask questions. Understand your prospect's context and put what you’re “selling” into their world. 

1. Empathy: Put yourself in their shoes to understand what they actually want and need based on past experiences and future plans. 

1. Customization: Tailor your approach to the individual, not a script.

1. Honesty: If your product isn't a good fit, say so. Trust builds long-term success. 

If this timeshare salesman in this story had done one of these, she would have bought from him and referred more people in the future. 

The days of high-pressure, one-size-fits-all sales tactics are numbered. In our increasingly diverse world, success in sales comes from genuine connection, cultural awareness, and the ability to adapt your approach to each unique individual.

Have you ever experienced a timeshare “meeting” and what was the experience like? 

I’ve never been to one and as a sales expert, I almost feel like I should experience it at least once! 

If you’re ready to evolve your sales strategy and win more sales than ever, click below: