Power Words for Higher Sales and Business Profits

What phrases should a leader use in business?

There are some power words for customer service that have the power to change the direction of the conversation. Anyone who wants to be a leader in the business world should be familiar with power words, as they can help transform and inspire their teams. For higher business profits and sales, using selling words that sell will lead to higher sales. This writing is informed by representing thousands of business owners as a employer lawyer in California, and Los Angeles; additionally, the best data comes from my first-hand conversations with business owners and their leadership team.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry” is a powerful word because it is not usually expected. It exhibits both personal responsibility and self-awareness. It is all too common to imagine a manager throwing a subordinate under the bus when something at work goes wrong. However, this is not the sign of a capable later. A true leader accepts the blame in a situation and apologizes for the mistake. This demonstrates personal accountability, which coworkers and employees will respect.

“Tell me more.”

These selling words demonstrate interest and is open-ended. By using such a phrase, a person shows active listening skills, which are an asset in the world of business.

“What’s working?”

This is a particularly helpful phrase if it seems that everyone has a complaint. This phrase allows people to refocus on the positive things in a situation. A leader can therefore build on the things that are working before managing the things that are not.

“I’m proud of you.”

Perhaps it is because this phrase sounds like something a parent would say that it holds a lot of power. When this phrase is offered sincerely, it is especially potent. Concise and clear, it can inspire the one who hears it, and build loyalty between giver and receiver.

“How can I help?”

Often, when people hear this question, they are gratified and do not in fact expect a lot of assistance. Instead, they may simply want to be heard. In any case, the phrase is offered by a leader who is ready to shoulder the burden and take pressure off of others.

“What are your goals?”

The goal in this question may either be for a project or a team. It can also refer to personal goals such as career aspirations. Understanding an individual’s goal can change your perspective or opinion of them. A good leader has a well-established understanding of their team members.

“What is the most common complaint you’ve heard?”

While many people may not want to complain, this question is worded in such a way that it allows them to voice what ‘others’ are thinking. It is an effective way of learning what people think, without putting pressure on them or making them fearful of being viewed as a naysayer.

“You have my full support.”

This phrase is excellent for building confidence. By saying this to a coworker or an employee, you instill both trust and confidence in their abilities and person.

“Let me start by bragging about you and the team.”

This phrase is an excellent way to improve support and confidence, especially when it is followed by specifics. There is no better way to ingratiate yourself in your team and improve performance.

“If you were me, what is one thing you would do differently?”

This phrase lets the listener offer advice. If it fails to work on the first try, you can always say: “tell me some ways I can be better at what I do.” People will appreciate your humility, and they will feel valued because you asked for their input.

“What keeps you up at night?”

It is possible that a manager stays up at night considering a major strategic issue or organizational problem. While it may feel like everyone is worried about the same issue, this is not often the case. It is important, as a manager, to listen to what other people are concerned about and then assist them in solving these problems.

“How can we get better and faster?”

Efficiency, quality, and speed questions are always good to ask. There are consulting firms that make millions of dollars asking these questions, recording employees’ answers, and placing them in shiny reports. Of course, you can always ask employees these questions directly, thereby saving money and time.

“Tell me what you are hearing from customers.”

An organization’s lifeblood is its customers. A good leader listens to clients directly and speaks to employees who collect information on them. It is always a good idea to reorient conversations to what is important to customers. In the end, they are what supports the business.

“What else?”

When a manager asks this kind of question, you may not know where it will lead. This is the point of the question. You don’t necessarily know what answers will come about, but you are better off for asking. You never know what interesting point will be raised.

“What makes you proud to work here?”

This phrase allows individuals to talk about teams or people. It is good for a manager to take plenty of notes, because they will often hear about another employee who helped in a project or one who stayed late to assist with something. It is important that leaders identify the unsung heroes in their company and offer praise.