Contrary to traditional sales processes, the demo is the ideal moment for discovery. Prospects' defenses are down when viewing the product, making them more open. Prepare specific 'bridge questions' to ask before showing each feature to fill informational gaps.
Presenting a 'Demo Flow' or 'Click Path' slide at the start does more than set an agenda. It gives you a pre-agreed framework to reference when prospects try to derail the demo, allowing you to politely maintain control and stick to the most relevant topics.
The discovery phase of a sales call isn't a generic interrogation or a prelude to a demo. Its only goal is to understand the customer's PULL: their specific Project, its Urgency, the other Options they've considered, and the Limitations of those options. Only then can you effectively position your product.
Instead of rushing to fill a quiet moment with a pitch, deploy the phrase "I'm so curious about..." to prompt the buyer. This simple, disarming line invites them to elaborate on a point, turning a potentially awkward pause into an opportunity for a more natural, flowing conversation and deeper discovery.
A common sales mistake is showcasing a product's full capabilities. This "push" approach often overwhelms and confuses buyers. In a "pull" model, the demo should be surgically focused, showing only the clicks required to solve the specific, pre-identified problem on the buyer's "to-do list."
Instead of asking standard discovery questions, top performers pose strategic questions that require joint exploration. This shifts the dynamic from a sales pitch to a collaborative problem-solving session, creating a deeper partnership and revealing unforeseen opportunities that standard questions would miss.
When a prospect gives one-word answers, repeatedly and politely ask "Can you give me an example of that?" or "Can you be more specific?" This simple loop forces them to move from vague statements to the concrete details needed to build a case for your solution.
Resist the instinct to explain what a feature is and does. Instead, first explain *why* it was built—the specific business problem it solves and why that's relevant to the prospect. This framing turns a feature walkthrough into a personalized 'test drive'.
To sell effectively, avoid leading with product features. Instead, ask diagnostic questions to uncover the buyer's specific problems and desired outcomes. Then, frame your solution using their own words, confirming that your product meets the exact needs they just articulated. This transforms a pitch into a collaborative solution.
Founders mistakenly believe a demo should showcase every feature to prove the product works. The real goal is to make the buyer feel understood. Show the minimum necessary to make it 'click' for them that your solution fits the specific demand they just described.
Start every demo with two slides: one confirming the prospect's priorities ('What I Learned') and a second outlining the demo's agenda ('Demo Flow'). This ensures alignment and gives you control over the conversation, preventing unexpected detours.