Want to know the best-kept secret to attracting clients? That’s the promise from “Sales Diva” Kim Duke in her article appearing on the EyesOnSales blog. Can you guess what the secret is? According to Duke, the key to exciting people about your product or service is telling a story. She writes that salespeople need to engage others, rather than bore them with the traditional elevator speech or boring chit-chat. According to Duke, great, customer-grabbing stories involve the following:

1. PEOPLE. You’re not talking about gadgets and services – you’re talking about people. It is conversational, interesting to listen to.

2. CURIOSITY. You lead with something that captures their attention – something that they are struggling with.

3. YOU DON’T SOUND CANNED. There’s a difference between being passionate or being an actress. If you’re too dramatic, or too flat – people tune you out both ways! Practice your introduction but don’t sound like a robot.

4. GET TO THE POINT. What is your claim to fame? This is where you can include a little zip (“ My clients on average increase their sales by 50% or more”).

5. CALL TO ACTION. People should feel inspired to want more, learn more, go to your Web site, ask for your card…make them think!