Let’s talk about one of the biggest deal-killers in sales: assumptions.
They sneak in quietly.
But here’s the truth:
When we assume, we silence our greatest sales superpower: curiosity.
And for many of us—especially women—curiosity isn’t just a skill.
It’s a deep, intuitive strength. One built on listening between the lines, reading the room, and catching the subtle shifts others might miss.
But when assumptions creep in? That intuition gets muted.
A Quick Story…
I was working with a sales rep who told me their client “wasn’t ready to buy until the end of the year.”
When I asked, “What does ‘end of the year’ mean to them?”—they paused.
They didn’t know.
They assumed it meant October.
So they set a follow-up reminder… five months later.
But here’s the problem:
“End of the year” might mean budget planning starts in August
It might mean they’re signing contracts in September.
It might mean they’re buying in December—but deciding in July.
The rep thought they were being respectful of the timeline.
In reality, they risked missing it altogether.
And the worst part? Their gut probably did sense a gap. They just didn’t trust it enough to ask a follow-up question.
The Fix: Ask Better Questions
Curiosity isn’t just a soft skill.
It’s tactical. It’s powerful. And it’s already built into you.
So when something feels a little unclear—or a little off—lean in.
Try this:
☑️“When you say ‘end of the year,’ can you walk me through what that process looks like for you?”
☑️“Who else needs to weigh in during that time?”
☑️“What does success look like if we get this right on your timeline?”
These kinds of questions don’t just clarify—they connect.
They show your prospect that you’re not there to pitch. You’re there to partner.
Your Spark This Week:
Where have you ignored a small nudge in your gut?
Where are you assuming instead of asking?
Pick one deal, one client, one stage—and swap assumptions for curiosity.
Let your intuition guide you. Then back it up with bold, thoughtful questions.
Because that quiet voice inside you? It’s not just a feeling.
It’s your competitive edge.
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