Tax Strategy
Sales Assessment Results by Ascencion Guzman
82
Expert Closer
10 questions
Maximum score: 100
Completed in
Alright, let’s break this down. You’ve got a solid grasp on the basics, with scores all hovering around the 8-9 range, which is commendable. Your active listening skills are on point, and you know how to communicate value effectively. Kudos for that! However, it’s time to stop coasting on those strengths and start digging deeper. You seem to shy away from asking the tough, exploratory questions that could really elevate your game. Don't be afraid to get personal with your prospects; their needs aren’t going to jump out at you without some prodding. Take your responses from good to great by being a little more curious and a lot less formulaic. You’re on the right track, now just push yourself to engage more fully and stop playing it safe. Get out there and show some real curiosity!
Question Breakdown
1.
8
/ 10Question:
"We already have a tax advisor, why should we consider switching?"
Answer:
That's a great question, and I respect the trust you've built with you current tax advisor. What we offer is not just tax preparation or advice, but a proactive, results-driven approach that focuses on uncovering opportunities tailored specifically to your business and financial goals. Many advisors focus on compliance or what's immediately in front of them, but our strategies go beyond that. We specialize in advanced tax planning leveraging industry specific incentives, future proofing your strategy against changes in tax law, and aligning your plan with your long term vision. If you're open to it, I'd be happy to conduct a no obligation review of your current strategy. This can help uncover opportunities you might be missing or provide a second opinion to ensure you're fully optimized. Would you be interested in exploring that?
Feedback:
This response does a good job of acknowledging the prospect's loyalty to their current advisor, which shows active listening. The tone is respectful and professional, appropriate for the tax strategy industry. The salesperson effectively communicates the unique value proposition of their service by highlighting a proactive and results-driven approach, which differentiates them from typical compliance-focused advisors. The offer of a no-obligation review is a solid closing technique that invites further discussion. However, while the response is strong, it could benefit from asking more exploratory questions to understand the prospect's specific needs and challenges better. This would enhance the collaborative approach and potentially increase engagement. Overall, this response is well-structured but could dive deeper into curiosity and discovery.
2.
8
/ 10Question:
"I need to consult with my accountant before making any decisions."
Answer:
I completely understand, and it's great that you're involving your accountant in the process. To make that conversation easier, I'd be happy to provide a clear summary of our approach and where we typically uncover opportunities. Would it help if I prepared a detailed breakdown or a second opinion review of your current strategy? This way, you and your accountant can see exactly where our approach could add value and ensure it aligns with your goals. Let me know the best time to send that over or if you'd like me to join the discussion to address any questions directly.
Feedback:
This response effectively addresses the objection by acknowledging the prospect's need to consult with their accountant, which demonstrates active listening. The salesperson offers to provide a summary and suggests a collaborative approach by offering to join the discussion, which is likely to build rapport. The tone is professional and supportive, suitable for the tax strategy industry. The response also focuses on value exploration by emphasizing how the proposed summary could uncover opportunities and align with the prospect's goals. However, it could be enhanced by asking more open-ended questions to understand the prospect's specific concerns or needs better. Overall, this response is solid and addresses the objection well with a proactive stance.
3.
8
/ 10Question:
"Your service seems too expensive compared to what I've seen online."
Answer:
I completely understand that cost is an important consideration, especially with so many options out there. What sets us apart is the value we deliver not just in terms of tax savings but also in peace of mind, compliance, and long term financial optimization. Many lower cost services take a one size fits all approach, which can leave significant opportunities on the table. Our strategies are customized to your unique situation and goals, ensuring you're maximizing savings while staying ahead of changing tax laws. To help you assess the value, I'd be happy to walk you through how we've helped other clients in similar situations achieve substantial results. Would you be open to a quick call to explore how our approach could provide a return that far outweighs the cost?
Feedback:
This response effectively addresses the concern about cost by emphasizing the value and unique benefits of your service. The mention of peace of mind, compliance, and customization is particularly strong, as it speaks directly to the prospect's potential fears about cheaper options. Your offer to share success stories is also a good strategy for demonstrating value. However, you could enhance the response by incorporating an open-ended question earlier to encourage dialogue and show curiosity about the prospect's specific experiences with other services. Overall, the tone is appropriate for the industry, and you close well with a call to action.
Score: 8
4.
8
/ 10Question:
"How can I be sure your strategies will actually save me money?"
Answer:
That's a completely valid concern, and I'd want you to feel confident before moving forward. Our approach is data driven and transparent we don't ask you to take a leap of faith. Before implementing any strategy, we conduct a thorough analysis of your current tax position and identify areas where savings are possible. We then show you clear, side by side before and after projections, so you can see exactly how our strategies will impact your bottom line. To give you even more peace of mind, many clients have seen saving that significantly outweigh the cost of our services. Would it help if we started with a complimentary review of your current strategy? That way, you can see first hand where opportunities might exist, with no obligation.
Feedback:
The response effectively addresses the concern by acknowledging the prospect's need for confidence and providing a clear, structured explanation of the process. The mention of data-driven strategies and transparency is a strong point, as it reassures the prospect that they won't be left in the dark. The offer of a complimentary review is a solid closing technique that not only invites further engagement but also shows commitment to providing value. However, while the response is strong, it could benefit from a more personalized touch, perhaps by asking additional questions about the prospect's specific situation to demonstrate curiosity and active listening. Overall, it communicates well and explores value effectively, but a slight enhancement in rapport-building could elevate it further.
Score: 8.
5.
8
/ 10Question:
"I’m not convinced that this is the right time to discuss tax strategies with everything else going on in my business."
Answer:
I completely understand running a business comes with so many competing priorities, and it might not feel like the right time. However, tax strategies are often most effective when addressed proactively, especially during times of change or growth. Taking action now can help you free up valuable time, resources, and cash flow so you can focus on the areas of your business that need you most. What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your business right now? Sometimes, tax strategies can ease the very pressures you're dealing with. If it helps, we can keep this simple with a quick, no pressure conversation to explore where you might have opportunities. Would that be worth a few minutes of your time?
Feedback:
This response does a solid job of acknowledging the prospect's concerns about timing, which shows active listening and empathy. By highlighting the proactive nature of tax strategies, the salesperson effectively communicates the value of addressing tax issues during challenging times. The closing technique is appropriate, as it invites further conversation without pressure, while also exploring the prospect's current challenges. The curiosity shown by asking about the biggest challenge helps in discovery, making it collaborative. However, the response could benefit from slightly more clarity on specific benefits or examples that address their current situation, enhancing value exploration. Overall, it's a well-rounded response with room for improvement in specificity.
6.
9
/ 10Question:
"Can you provide case studies or testimonials from clients similar to us?"
Answer:
Absolutely, I'd be happy to share examples of how we've helped businesses like yours. In fact, many of our clients started with similar questions and concerns, and we've been able to uncover significant opportunities for savings, improved cash flow, and long term financial clarity. For instance, one client in your industry was able to lower their taxes 50% of what they were originally paying. I can provide more details on this and other case studies so you can see how our strategies deliver measurable results. Would it be helpful if I shared a few case studies or connected you with a client who's had a similar experience? I want you to feel confident that our approach aligns with your goals and challenges.
Feedback:
The response effectively addresses the objection by offering to share case studies and testimonials, which is a direct answer to the prospect's request. The communication is clear and maintains a professional tone appropriate for the tax strategy industry. The mention of a specific client outcome (lowering taxes by 50%) adds credibility and demonstrates value. The closing technique is effective, as the salesperson invites the prospect to engage further by offering to share more details or connect them with a client, which fosters collaboration. Additionally, the response shows curiosity by considering the prospect's needs and emphasizes a solution-focused approach by linking past successes to the prospect's goals. However, it could have benefited from more active listening by explicitly acknowledging the prospect's specific situation or concerns. Overall, it's a strong response that creates a sense of partnership.
Score: 9
7.
8
/ 10Question:
"What makes your tax strategies different from those offered by larger firms?"
Answer:
That's a great question, and I appreciate you considering the differences. What sets us apart is our personalized, hands on approach combined with a focus on proactive tax planning not just compliance. Larger firms often rely on standardized processes that may overlook unique opportunities specific to your business or industry. We take the time to deeply understand your goals, challenges, and financial situation to design custom strategies that align with your needs and unlock saving that might otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, with us, you get direct access to decision makers and tax experts who are invested in your success, rather than being handed off to multiple layers of staff. Would it make sense to schedule a brief call to discuss your goals and explore how our tailored approach could deliver value for your business?
Feedback:
This response effectively addresses the prospect's concern by clearly differentiating your services from those offered by larger firms. You communicate well by highlighting your personalized service and proactive planning, which are key selling points in the tax strategy industry. The tone is appropriate and professional, fostering credibility. Your closing technique is solid, as you propose a follow-up call, inviting further discussion and demonstrating confidence in your offering. Additionally, you showcase a solution-focused approach by emphasizing the unique benefits of your services. However, while you successfully explain the value, you could enhance your response by asking a few more open-ended questions to uncover the prospect's specific needs and concerns further. This would show even greater curiosity and discovery. Overall, a strong response with room for slight improvement in engagement.
Score: 8
8.
8
/ 10Question:
"I’m worried about the ongoing commitment and whether it’s worth the investment."
Answer:
I completely understand your concern an ongoing commitment need to feel worthwhile and deliver real value. Our approach is designed to provide measurable results that far exceed the investment, and we make sure that process is as streamlined and low maintenance for you as possible. Think of it this way, tax strategies are not a one time fix they're about continuously identifying opportunities, adapting to changes in your business, and staying ahead of evolving tax laws. This proactive, ongoing approach often uncovers savings year after year that a "set it and forget it" plan would miss. Would it help if I shared examples of how our clients have seen consistent, long term benefits? I'd also be happy to outline what the ongoing process looks like so you can see how easy and valuable it can be. Le me know how we can make this work for you.
Feedback:
Overall, this response effectively addresses the prospect's concern regarding ongoing commitment. The salesperson acknowledges the worry and emphasizes the value of continuous engagement, which is crucial in the tax strategy industry. The tone is professional and reassuring, which fits well within the context. However, there's an opportunity to enhance clarity by tightening the message and ensuring it flows smoothly without redundancy. The closing technique is good, as it invites the prospect to explore examples and outlines the process, promoting a solution-focused approach. The inquiry about sharing client success stories demonstrates curiosity and discovery. However, a bit more active listening could be shown by explicitly stating how the prospect’s past experiences might inform their current concerns. Overall, a solid response with minor areas for improvement.
Score: 8
9.
8
/ 10Question:
"Our financial situation is too uncertain right now, so we’ll have to pass for now."
Answer:
I completely understand uncertainty can make it feel like now isn't the right time. However, this is often when a strong tax strategy can provide the most value by identifying opportunities to improve cash flow, reduce expenses, and create stability during unpredictable times. Even a quick conversation could uncover ways to ease the financial pressure you're experiencing right now. Would it help to start with a no-obligation review? That way you can see if there are opportunities to free up resources with any commitment. I'm here to help in whatever way makes sense for you, let me know how I can best support you during this time.
Feedback:
Your response effectively acknowledges the prospect's concern about uncertainty, which shows active listening and empathy. You clearly communicate the value of a strong tax strategy, which aligns with their current situation, and you do a good job of offering a low-pressure option with a no-obligation review. This demonstrates a solution-focused approach while also being collaborative. However, you could improve by asking more probing questions to further understand their specific situation and to build rapport. Overall, you've laid a strong foundation, but there's room for deeper engagement and exploration of their needs.
10.
9
/ 10Question:
"I’d like to think it over; can you follow up with me in a few months?"
Answer:
I completely understand, you want to take some time to thing it through. That said, waiting a few could mean missing opportunities to reduce your tax burden or improve cash flow, especially if there are strategies we can implement before year end or upcoming deadlines. Is there a specific concern of goal that's holding you back right now? Understanding that might help us tailor this conversation to be more valuable to you. How about this, we schedule a brief check in sooner, no pressure, where I can share a few insights or opportunities that could make an immediate difference. If you still feel the timing isn't right, I'm happy to follow up down the line. Would next week or the week after work for you?
Feedback:
This response is effective at addressing the prospect's concern about needing time to think it over. It acknowledges their request while also providing a compelling reason to move forward by highlighting potential missed opportunities. The communication is clear and the tone is appropriate for the tax strategy industry, showing a professional yet approachable demeanor. Additionally, the suggestion to schedule a brief check-in demonstrates a proactive closing technique without being pushy, which is important in a consultative sales environment. The inquiry into specific concerns or goals shows curiosity and a solution-focused approach, indicating active listening and an effort to tailor the conversation to the prospect's needs. Overall, this response effectively builds rapport and engages the prospect in a collaborative manner, while also exploring the value of immediate action.
However, it could be slightly improved by being even more concise in the initial explanation of potential missed opportunities and perhaps offering more specific examples of strategies they can discuss in the follow-up. Overall, this is a solid response that balances urgency with respect for the prospect's timeline.