Why Bad Breath Can Ruin the Sale

People always ask me if I have a secret weapon for sales, and I always tell them, "It's my fresh breath."

I make sure to keep my breath minty fresh because there's nothing that can kill your business like bad breath.

When you're making a sale you want to be able to pitch your idea, communicate with the customer, and seal the deal. It's an easy process with time and focus.

Unfortunately, bad breath can ruin the whole sales pitch.

Funky breath steals a potential customers' attention. Rather than listen to what you're selling they're focused on the smell of your breath.

It's hard to keep a customer interested in what you have to offer when they're having trouble following along.

If it's really bad, you may even lose the time you need to sell since the customer will be looking for ways out of the conversation.

Worst case is that they think of you as the salesperson with bad breath and you'll have an up-hill battle from there.

How to stay fresh

The good news is that you don't have to live with bad breath.

The best way to avoid a situation like the one I described above is to keep mints with you; on your desk, in your work van, or even on your person. You never know when you'll need one.

Also, you never know when a potential customer needs a mint and your preparedness can work in your favor.

The second option is sort of obvious, but plan your lunch ahead of time.

If you know you're going to see customers right after lunch, or during lunch, avoid the dishes that will leave you with offensive breath.

It's called a business lunch because business takes priority over satisfying your cravings.

What's a tip you think is obvious, but not enough people know?