# 4 phrases to use when closing a sale: The SEM approach \ \ Written by\ \ Samir Smajic Updated on August 23, 2019 Reading time 3 min. How close do you get to landing that _handshake_? Let's face it, closing a sale is all about moving forward. Sometimes moving forward happens seamlessly and quickly. More often than not, sales representatives have to move slowly and carefully. How should you move forward in a way that doesn't scare or push away your prospects? How do you inch your way forward into landing that _handshake?_ Closing a deal requires smooth, effective, yet mindful language to strike a deal. You can think of this approach as the SEM framework. When using language, think about how _smooth_, _effective,_ and _mindful_ you are when approaching your potential customer. ## The SEM framework **Smooth** - Using language that reduces, eliminates, and prevents future obstacles that lower the probability of closing the deal **Effective** - Using language that targets exactly the needs of your prospect in order to close the deal **Mindful** - Using language that shows respect and empathy for your potential customer ## Here Are 4 Phrases You Can Use to Seal the Deal **1.** **"If we were to move forward now, is there any reason that our service [product] wouldn't meet your company's needs?"** This phrase is useful to use when you feel like your prospect has little objections. Proposing an "if" around the idea of moving forward automatically makes your potential customer think. Starting with this proposition will score you _smooth_ points. Adding an open-ended question around meeting their needs is both _effective_ and _mindful_ because you are not forcing a close, yet we are inviting a close. By being curious in your prospect's reply, you are showing a certain level of empathy towards their possible opposition. **2.** **Our service [product] seems to meet all of your needs, but if we found a way to work with any objections, would you consider moving forward at the current price?** This phrase is similar to the first phrase but includes objections and price talking points. If you believe your prospect is going to have more objections compared to phrase 1, then this approach is _smoother_ and more _effective_ because you are assuming you are going to eliminate the future obstacles. By being honest in helping your prospect, you show _mindfulness_ in your approach. Additionally asking about the "current price" gets your prospect thinking if this [Price is Right](/content/pricing/index.html) or wrong, not if they want to buy or not to buy. This is a strong, yet indirect way to close a deal. **3.** **In your opinion, does the solution I've provided solve your current problem? What do you think?** Asking for your prospect's opinion is an inviting approach for them to engage with you. You also bring a personal touch to the conversation. Old school direct and spammy sales pitches don't work anymore. Conversations do. Leaving the prospect to think about your solution and provide you with feedback is a _smooth_ and incredibly _effective_ approach to sealing a deal. Conversational approaches to selling are the key to being _mindful_ with your potential customer. Show that you care about their opinions! **4.** **After comparing product [X], [Y], and [Z], do we have your approval to move forward with product [Y]?** If you are selling multiple products that resonate with your potential customers, then show by comparison that you know which product is best! This is a really _effective_ selling approach because you are comparing each product and their respective objections. By ending your statement with a request for approval, you score _mindful_ points because it's a sign of respect. Finally, plugging in a specific solution scores you _smooth_ points. Use this closing phrase when you feel like your prospect is a hesitant or indecisive person when making a decision. In case you missed it, read about how GetAccept offers [Effective Sales Communication](/content/blog/sales-communication-strategy/index.html) to help your sales teams close more deals! Photo by [Toa Heftiba](https://unsplash.com/@heftiba?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/search/photos/handshake?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) \ About the author [Samir Smajic](/content/blog/author/samir-smajic/index.html) Samir Smajic is CEO and Co-Founder of GetAccept, a Digital Sales Room platform used by B2B sales teams in 50+ countries. Since founding the company in 2015, he has scaled it from Y Combinator (W16) to over $17M ARR. Before GetAccept, Samir was Head of Product at Lime Technologies, where he led product development for Scandinavia's leading CRM platform. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lund University. Samir specializes in sales process optimization, buyer engagement, and scaling revenue teams. He has spoken at SaaStock, SaaSiest, and the Inside Sales Summit, and his insights have been featured in Authority Magazine, GrowthMentor, and The Software Report. On the GetAccept blog, Samir writes about sales enablement, stakeholder management, and modern B2B selling strategies.