Grocery shopping tends to be a lonely affair in itself. However, what could get it even worse is when you're in another country altogether. You scout through labels, brands and products but yet feel lost. The best way of getting yourself out of this situation would be asking for help and the best way to do that is to speak in basic English. You need to work towards developing your English communication skills beforehand itself, as it is a universal language and very useful when you stay in foreign countries.

Here is an article in simple English that should clear all your inhibitions about taking up a light conversation with a stranger to ask for help in buying your ration.

Situation:

Your company has sent you to North Carolina, U.S., for a two-year project. You're in the new country and it's your first grocery shopping experience. Things take a toll for the worse as you seem to be a little lost and don't really understand the products and brands.

Sample Conversation in a Grocery Store:

You: Hey! Could you please help me out a bit? Actually, all this is a little new for me.

Tim: Sure, Sure. What can I help you out with?

You: I have a brief list at hand, but the brands are all unknown to me. I wanted to pick a pack of string cheese and wanted to know which brand is the best?

Tim: Well, I reckon you opt for Kraft dairy products. That's what I've seemed to learn from my wife.

You: Ha-ha! Wives and their specifications. By the way, I'm Raj from India.

Tim: I'm Tim. I have to mention this that I love India; have visited that country twice for work purpose. I must mention I'm mesmerized by the culture and the warm people.

You: Yes, I'm glad you had a great time in my country. I'm here on a work project as well.

Tim: Great! Nice to know. By the way, aren't we forgetting something your wife sent you here for?

You: Yes. Yes. My list.

Tim: Yeah. What else are you looking for? Just string cheese?

You: No no! I completely forgot the purpose of walking in here. My wife would have booted me out of the house if I would go back home empty handed. Ha-ha! So, the list reads spaghetti. Where would I find spaghetti please?

Tim: Walk down this aisle and on the extreme right you will notice a rack full of it. Pull out a pack, lucky for you... this grocery sells only one brand, which is the best.

You: Oh! Thank God. Just help me out with two more things if you don't mind, after which I'm good to go.

Tim: Sure. I'm happy to help!

You: Thanks. I wanted some vegetables and fruits. Where would I find them?

Tim: That's right near the billing counter. Come let me guide you there. Anyway I'm done with the shopping; you could pick and choose while I clear my bill.

You: Perfect. I'm so glad to have met you Tim or I would be running in circles around this huge store looking for stuff.

Tim: You're welcome Raj! And now that we're done buying grocery for our wives, do you mind grabbing a quick beer?

You: Yes yes! Would love to...

As you can notice in the conversation above, your interaction should be light and friendly rather than selfish and needy. Make sure to be comfortable while speaking in English as your comfort while talking in the English language will ignite a friendly touch making both the parties comfortable. Kiss adieu to all your embarrassments and embrace fluent English by practicing more, reading more and acquiring more.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is the premier online English learning provider. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

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3. How to place an order in a fast food restaurant?
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5. Why English is Considered an International Language?

Upselling and cross selling are the two major types of selling techniques. Judicious use of these techniques can lead to improved sales and better bottom lines. However, use it in the wrong place and you stand the risk of losing a loyal customer. So what is upselling, cross selling and how to go about it?

 

 

Upselling

Upselling takes place when a salesperson encourages or pushes a customer to purchase products of higher value. The main objective of upselling is to increase the profitability of a sale. The sales person follows such techniques because the company usually provides rich incentives, awards and promotions to successful up sellers. Upselling can be beneficial, however if it's done too much, it can lead to a loss of loyal customers. Usually, it is employed with the existing customer database. Successful upselling needs an accurate delivery of strong English conversational skills.

 

 

Sample Upselling conversation:

 

Situation: A client comes into your TV store. He checks the display and is on the verge of settling for 18 inch LED TV. Your aim is to sell the 23 inch one, which is pricier and profitable.

 

You: "Hello Sir, I see you have made up your choice. Am I right?"

 

Customer: "Yes. I would like to know the price of this 18 inch TV?"

 

You: "Certainly, it costs about Rs. 16,000. But, before we proceed, may I ask what your living room size is?"

 

Customer: "It's about 700 sq. feet. Why?"

 

You: "Sir, in that case, I will suggest the 23 inch TV, which will be more suitable for your space type."

 

Cross Selling

Cross selling happens when the sales person comes to know of an additional need while in a negotiation or a casual conversation. Cross selling is all about taking advantage of a situation quickly. You need to be attentive and smart to recognize when a client will need additional services. Use your English conversational skills to quickly interlace an opportunity in words. The benefits of cross selling can be huge and financially rewarding. Utilize your English strength to capitalize on such opportunities. Cross selling happens more in banks than any other business.

 

Sample Cross selling conversation:

 

Situation: You are the loan manager of ICICI bank and are discussing home loan terms with a customer.

 

Customer: So what are the details of your home loan?

 

You: You can take a home loan that starts from Rs. 5 lakhs comes with easy EMI options from Rs. 800 as well. The interest type and rate can be fixed as per your convenience.

 

Customer: I want an EMI option that will not hinder my dream of owning a car.

 

You: Not to worry Sir. Our home loans are flexible and systemized. In fact, why don't you check out our car loan facility? We can work out an arrangement for you by which you can achieve both your dreams at the same time.

 

 

Upselling and marketing are communication intensive techniques. Your English communication should be perfect and fluent in order to convince a prospective customer of additional sales. Take the help of an online English course if you plan to make your career in the sales and marketing domain. You will then be confident in any type of sales technique.

 

About eAgeTutor:

 

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

 

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

 

- By Monika Agarwal

 

Related Topics:

 

1. How to Express Effectively?

 

2. How to Improve Communication Skills?

 

3. Tips for Making Small Talk and Breaking the Ice

 

4. How to Greet your Boss/ People in Office?

 

5. How to Get the Speed of the Words Right while Speaking?

Any marketing or business deal requires a good amount of negotiation. Negotiation is nothing but a dialogue between two or more parties to reach a mutual understanding or agreement. The main objective of negotiation is to compromise and develop a conclusion, which will be a win- win situation for all parties involved. High self-confidence, excellent communication skills are some of the prerequisites for a successful negotiation. Below are 5 tips and tricks for a successful sales negotiation along with sample conversations.

 

 

Negotiation tips and tricks

 

1. Add on technique

In this sales negotiation technique, once a deal is made, additional costs can be added in by correct dialogues. This is because once an agreement is reached; customers usually become relaxed and don't mind latter additions. However, this should be used sparingly as it can also backfire.

 

For Example:

 

Sales person: "So with all the features, the price comes to Rs. 19,500."

 

Customer: "Okay, That's fine."

 

Sales person: "Obviously, we need to add delivery charges which is Rs.50 and an installation fee of Rs.100."

 

2. Flinching

Customers usually flinch and balk at high prices. They may be discouraged from trying to negotiate further. This is a clue for you as a sales person to include further discount or freebies to the customer.

 

For Example:

 

Customer: "What! How much?? Rs 3000! That's a lot of money."

 

Sales person: "That naturally includes delivery and installation"

 

Customer: "It is still a lot of money!"

 

Sales person: "Maybe I can include a software package just for you"

 

 

3. Deferring to higher authority

If you cannot make further concessions, then it's a good idea to defer to a higher authority. Let the customer know that you need to take permission for further concessions. The customer usually backs out of haggling as he does not want to waste further time.

 

For Example:

 

Customer:" I am not happy with the maintenance fee. It is far too high for the amount of work done. I refuse to pay this high amount."

 

Sales person:"Oh. Since, I don't have an authority to negotiate on that let me get in touch with my manager on this issue."

 

Customer: "Thanks for your help. "

 

Sales person: "My pleasure, I shall intimate you once I get a reply."

 

4. Set Aside

Some clients may be very stubborn in their approach. In such cases, it is better to politely request the clients to keep aside their differing points and to focus on more common grounds.

 

For Example:

 

Client: "Look, we only do business with companies that give us sixty day terms. If you cannot, why are we wasting our time?"

 

Sales person: "Let's put that aside for a moment and first see if there are other things important to both of us?"

 

5. Hot Potato Technique

A hot potato technique is usually applied when the customer states some apprehension or problems before the negotiation begins.

 

For Example:

 

Customer: "I only have a budget of Rs.2, 50,000."

 

Sales person : "Good, I understand, so if I find a property that meets your needs, but is just beyond this amount, I will still show it to you then offer it to other buyers?"

 

 

The above 5 techniques requires excellent English communication skills. Such skills can only be developed by constant practice with an online English tutor or with a friend. Fluent English speaking skills can benefit by giving you a successful career.

 

About eAgeTutor:

 

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

 

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

 

- By Monika Agarwal

 

Related Topics:

 

1. How to Express Effectively?

 

2. How to Improve Communication Skills?

 

3. Tips for Making Small Talk and Breaking the Ice

 

4. How to Greet your Boss/ People in Office?

 

5. How to Get the Speed of the Words Right while Speaking?

You have got a telemarketing job and now you are apprehensive about your first cold call. You have no clue as to what to say when the unknown person picks up the phone. Companies often use cold calling as an effective sales tactic. However, fear can grip a person unknown to cold calling. By following certain protocols, a person can be an effective cold caller, who is valued by companies. Below are a few guidelines to be followed for making a cold call.

Guidelines for cold call

1. Research

Research is absolutely vital while starting a cold call. This is because knowledge is power. Many people are afraid to cold call as they are unaware who the receiver is. Research also helps to build databases from which calls can be made and sales generated.

2. Create a calling script

Instead of fumbling at the last moment, you should take time to prepare a calling script. It can help you as a guideline of what to say at the time of calling. A calling script works to give you confidence and clarity while calling. It need not be set in stone and can be modified as per requirements from time to time. However, remember to set a conversational tone while on a call as listeners hate script sounding calls.

3. Practice

Cold calling cannot be made perfect without adequate practice. Buddy up with your colleagues and tell them to analyze your calls. They will be the perfect teachers to suggest improvement. Constant practice will also help you to fine tune your telephonic skills and increase your confidence

Sample Calling Scripts 1

You: Hello, Am I speaking to Ms. Ruby?

Ruby: Yes.

You: Good Morning Madam, I am John Gracias calling from Sify Technologies. Is this a convenient time to speak to you?

Ruby: Yes. What is this call about?

You: Sify Technologies is the leading internet provider in Mumbai. The reason for this call is to give you a heads up on the latest cheap internet tariffs released by us.

Sample Calling Script 2

You: Hello, Am I speaking with Mr. Rajesh?

Rajesh: Yes. Who is this?

You: Good Morning Mr. Rajesh. This is Arif Shah from Integra here in New Delhi. We have helped the Citi Financial Group improve their customer service to the point where they are increasing their portfolio of clients at a rate of 2 clients per week for the last two months and it's not stopping!! The reason that I'm calling you today specifically is so that I can set up an appointment and tell you about our new customer relationship management strategy and how it can increase your portfolio of clients. I'm sure that you, like Citi Financial Group, are interested in having more clients to manage, right?

Proper preparation is the key to making a successful cold call, which can make or break a sales career. The underlying skill required is fluent English speaking skills. If you have a strong command over the English language, you can deal in cold calls confidently. You can start practicing your conversational skills with the help of an online English Tutor. The secret of cold calling success is fluent English communication skills. Happy Calling!

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is the premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English learning institute or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. How to Communicate as a Customer Care Executive?

2. What are some phrases for conversation?

3. How to Improve Communication Skills?

4. How to Seek Appointment with your Doctor's Receptionist?

5. How to Communicate with New Friends?