The fastest way to determine if a prospect is a serious buyer is to ask for their commitment at every stage. Request a second meeting, ask to include another stakeholder, or ask for internal data. Their willingness to say 'yes' signals genuine engagement, while hesitation or refusal indicates they are likely just seeking information and not a viable opportunity.
Prospects who aren't already fans of your product require a different sales approach. Instead of pitching based on your own enthusiasm, slow the process down to conduct deep discovery. Focus on asking questions to build a logical business case that connects your offering to their specific needs and goals.
Utilize the 'investment principle': prospects are more likely to see a deal through if they've invested significant time and effort. Instead of providing a proposal after one meeting, structure a multi-step process that requires their participation. This makes the deal more meaningful and weeds out unserious buyers who are unwilling to commit their own resources.
Sales efforts are wasted on "seekers"—contacts sent to gather information without any decision-making authority. Identify them early by their repeated requests for data without granting access to decision-makers. If a seeker consistently blocks you from speaking with influencers or buyers, you should disengage to avoid wasting your time on a deal that will never close.