A few months ago I wrote a post called “12cheesy sales lines to avoid.” That post got a lot ofviews and generated some great discussion, including a few commentsfrom people who thought there was nothing wrong with using some ofthe statements or questions.

Here are nine more sales lines, statements and questions thatare still used in today's sales world. Hopefully, you don't usethem.

1. “No one walks.”

This phrase is frequently uttered by sales managers incommission-heavy environments (especially retail) and is designedto motivate the sales team to close as many deals as they can thatparticular day. But it seldom works because the salespeople knowthey can't close every deal.

2. “Buyers are liars.”

Although it's a fact that many buyers will mislead you, it'susually a result of being manipulated by a salesperson. If we — thesalesperson — behave in an ethical and professional manner it isless likely our prospect will overtly lie to us.

3. “If I can do that, will you buytoday or sign right now?”

I know this question is intended to gain agreement but it istired, outdated and overused. Do you really think a smart buyer orcorporate decision maker is going to agree to a ridiculous demandlike this? Smart decision makers will say, “Let me think about itand get back to you.”

4. “The price is equivalent to theprice of cup of coffee every day.”

People are not stupid and see through this tactic before thewords leave your mouth. It is much more effective to discuss thereturn-on-investment (ROI) in terms that resonate with eachprospect or customer. Trying to minimize the cost of ownershipseldom achieves this goal.

5. “Hi, how are you?”

I still can't believe how many salespeople think this is aneffective way to open a cold call. They think that it is a good wayto engage people in a conversation but in reality, it screams “I'ma salesperson!” It is much more effective to get right to the pointof your call.

6. “Are you the decisionmaker?”

Even if the person you are speaking with is not the finaldecision maker, it is highly unlikely they will say, “Uh, no, I'mnot.” Change your approach and ask, “Who else do you normallyconsult with on decisions of this nature?”

7. “You should have told methat.”

Our prospects have no obligation to tell us anything. It is ourresponsibility to ask high-value questions to determine theirbuying motivators and situation and then present the solution thatwill help them achieve their goals and objectives.

8. “Tell your boss it's a personalmatter.”

You might be able to manipulate your way past the gatekeeperwith a line like this but you will seldom get much further.Gatekeepers have long memories and you can get much better resultsby being upfront for the reason of your call and treating them likethey are the decision maker.

9. “Let me be honest.”

You mean you weren't being honest with me so far? Don't tellprospects that you are going to be honest with them . .. just do it. Actions speak much louder thanwords.

Improve your results and stand out from your competitors byeliminating these ridiculous sales lines and questions from yourvocabulary.

Related: Guarantee a sale every day