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851: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Utilizing the 851 System

The 851 system is a revolutionary approach to sales and marketing that has transformed the way businesses connect with customers and drive revenue. Developed by Dale Carnegie Training, this system is based on the principles of Relationship Selling, which emphasizes building strong relationships with customers through trust, personalization, and value-added services.

Key Concepts of the 851 System

The 851 system derives its name from the following principles:

8: Qualifying Prospects: Identifying and targeting potential customers who are most likely to purchase your products or services.

5: Building Relationships: Establishing strong personal connections with prospects to gain their trust and loyalty.

1: Closing the Sale: Securing a commitment from prospects to purchase your offering.

Benefits of Implementing the 851 System

Businesses that implement the 851 system experience numerous benefits, including:

Increased Sales: The personalized approach fosters stronger customer relationships, leading to increased conversion rates.
Improved Customer Retention: By building trust and value, businesses can retain customers for longer, reducing churn rates.
Higher Customer Satisfaction: The system's focus on meeting customer needs and resolving issues promptly enhances satisfaction levels.
Streamlined Sales Process: The systematic approach provides a clear and efficient roadmap for sales teams to follow.
Enhanced Team Collaboration: The system fosters collaboration between sales and marketing teams, ensuring alignment and a unified customer experience.

Key Statistics Related to the 851 System

Studies conducted by Dale Carnegie Training have revealed the following key statistics:

Statistic	Source
Salespeople using the 851 system close 22% more deals than those who don't.	Dale Carnegie Training
Companies with a strong Relationship Selling culture have a 26% higher customer retention rate.	Forrester Research
Customers who feel connected to a business are 60% more likely to make a repeat purchase.	Bain & Company

3 Useful Tables Related to the 851 System

Table 1: Qualification Criteria for Prospects

Criteria	Description
Buying Power	The prospect has the financial resources to purchase your product or service.
Need for Solution	The prospect is facing a challenge that your offering can address.
Authority to Make Decisions	The prospect has the power to approve or recommend the purchase.
Timeline for Purchase	The prospect is actively considering purchasing within a specific time frame.
Company Alignment	The prospect's company and industry are a good fit for your offering.

Table 2: Relationship-Building Techniques

Technique	Description
Active Listening	Paying undivided attention to what prospects say, both verbally and nonverbally.
Mirroring and Matching	Subtly matching the prospect's body language and tone to establish rapport.
Asking Open-Ended Questions	Encouraging prospects to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Providing Value	Offering helpful advice, insights, or content without directly promoting your offering.
Personalization	Customizing interactions to meet each prospect's individual needs.

Table 3: Common Mistakes in Implementing the 851 System

Mistake	Consequences
Focusing on Closing Too Soon	Jeopardizing relationships and reducing trust.
Neglecting to Qualify Prospects	Wasting time and resources on unqualified leads.
Inconsistent Follow-Up	Allowing relationships to weaken and opportunities to slip away.
Failing to Personalize Interactions	Creating a generic experience that fails to resonate with prospects.
Using Manipulative Techniques	Undermining trust and damaging relationships permanently.

Step-by-Step Approach to Implementing the 851 System

To successfully implement the 851 system, follow these steps:

Qualify Prospects: Identify and prioritize leads that meet your target criteria.
Build Relationships: Engage in genuine conversations to establish trust and rapport.
Understand Customer Needs: Actively listen to prospects to uncover their unique challenges and goals.
Propose Value: Present your offering as a solution that aligns with the prospect's needs.
Address Concerns: Anticipate and proactively address any objections or concerns the prospect may have.
Close the Sale: Secure a commitment to purchase your product or service.
Follow-Up: Maintain regular communication to nurture relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.

3 Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: The hesitant entrepreneur

A young entrepreneur was struggling to close deals despite having a promising product. Implementing the 851 system, she learned to focus on building relationships and understanding her clients' needs. As a result, she doubled her sales within six months.

Lesson: Building trust and understanding customer pain points is crucial for closing deals.

Story 2: The customer-centric sales team

A software sales team struggled to retain customers due to high churn rates. After adopting the 851 system, they focused on providing value and personalized support to each client. Consequently, churn rates dropped by 30%.

Lesson: Exceeding customer expectations by delivering value fosters loyalty and reduces churn.

Story 3: The empathetic salesperson

A salesperson at a medical equipment company realized that her prospects were apprehensive about making a large purchase. By actively listening to their concerns and offering empathetic support, she built strong relationships and closed several high-value deals.

Lesson: Empathy and understanding can overcome barriers and drive sales success.

Call to Action

The 851 system is a powerful tool that can transform your sales and marketing efforts. By embracing the principles of relationship selling, you can build stronger customer connections, increase sales, and drive business growth. Start implementing the 851 system today and experience the transformative impact it can have on your organization.