So what exactly does this clever little phrase mean? What does it mean to “grease your wheels” and how can this be applied to the sales world? Hopefully by the end of this post it will be clear. To “grease your wheels” simply means to make something run smoother, more efficient. When you grease up a chain on a bike, it’s to allow the chain work smoother. When you put WD-40 on a squeaking door, the door opens and closes easier, any resistance is eliminated. This same idea can be applied to the sales process. The easier you can make the sales process for the client/customer, the more willing they’ll be to do business with you. If, however, the transaction is full of hassles, hang-ups and run-arounds then the client will have serious regrets about dealing with you or your company. It’s simple: The easier, smoother and, well, better you can make this process for them, the more they’re going to want to do business with you.

Here are some easy ways to grease your sales wheels:

• Do Your Homework: know your product, know your company, and know your client
• Be Accommodating and Accessible: put your clients’ needs as a priority and always try to be available if the client needs to reach you
• Learn From Mistakes: analyze positive sales processes and negative ones as well and apply the things you learn to future transactions

The last thing a client wants is a painful sales process and the more you can do to facilitate their needs, the more business the client will want to do with you. Greasing your wheels may be a strange analogy, but a smooth ride for your clients is a key to great business!