What does it mean to close a sale? (Where did that phrase come from?) What are you closing? In some situations, the word “close” suggests finality. When you close a file, you’re finished with it. When you close a bank account, the account no longer exists. When a detective closes a case, it’s over…mystery solved. In other instances, “close” suggests a barrier or a sealing off. When you close a door, you are blocked from what is on the other side. When you close the covers of a book, you cannot read the words within. So, what does it mean to close a sale? Are you finished with the customer? Have you closed the door and put the lid on further opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is “no.” Reframe you thinking about closing as the culmination of an activity and view it as the beginning of an activity–opening of a new business relationship.

Stop “closing” sales and open business relationships. In this way you can earn compound interest on your selling efforts.