Sales is both an art and a science. While trends change, some strategies always deliver results. If you want to boost conversions, close more deals, and build lasting relationships, these five time-tested sales strategies will never fail you. 
Build Relationships Before Selling 
People buy from people they know, like, and trust. In fact, 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers (Forbes). In India, word-of-mouth referrals account for nearly 60% of sales in sectors like real estate and finance.
Example 1 : Ratan Tata
When Ratan Tata invested in a small business owner’s idea after reading his heartfelt email, it showed the power of relationships. A well-nurtured connection can open big doors in business.
Tip: Engage with your prospects on LinkedIn, comment on their posts, and offer value before pitching your product.
Ask the Right Questions 
Top sales professionals listen more than they speak. The best way to sell is by understanding your customer’s pain points. Studies show that 74% of buyers choose the first salesperson who adds value (Rain Group).
Example 2 : SaaS company
A Bengaluru-based SaaS company saw a 30% increase in conversions when their sales team focused on customer needs rather than pitching product features. They asked, “What’s your biggest challenge with workflow automation?”—which led to more meaningful conversations and higher close rates.
Tip: Use open-ended questions to uncover customer challenges and tailor your pitch accordingly.
Leverage the Power of Storytelling 
Facts tell, but stories sell. When you use stories, you make an emotional connection that builds trust and boosts conversions by up to 22X (Stanford University).
Example 3 : Amul
Amul has dominated India’s dairy industry not just because of its products but due to its iconic storytelling through advertisements. Their brand mascot and witty, relatable campaigns keep customers engaged.
Tip: Share customer success stories or your own journey to make your sales pitch more relatable.
Follow Up Like a Pro 
80% of sales require at least 5 follow-ups (Marketing Donut), but 44% of sales reps give up after just one. Persistence is key!
Example :
A Mumbai-based insurance advisor consistently followed up with a potential client for six months through WhatsApp and email. Eventually, the client signed a ₹10 lakh policy. The key was persistence without being pushy.
Tip: Use CRM tools to schedule and automate follow-ups while maintaining a personal touch.
Use Social Proof to Build Credibility 
People trust what others say about you more than what you say about yourself. 92% of consumers trust recommendations from peers over advertisements (Nielsen).
Example :
Flipkart and Amazon’s customer reviews system plays a major role in sales. Products with more positive reviews see a 30-40% increase in conversion rates.
Tip: Showcase testimonials, case studies, and success stories in your pitch to build credibility.
Final Thoughts 
Sales isn’t just about pushing a product—it’s about building trust, solving problems, and staying persistent. These five strategies will help you close more deals and create lifelong customers.
Build relationships before selling Ask the right questions Use storytelling to connect Follow up strategically Leverage social proof
Which sales strategy do you swear by? Drop a comment below! 