Free Sales Training seems to be the magical buzz word during these tight economic times. People are always asking me if I have any “complimentary” training (I tell them they look nice when they’re riding public transit) or if I can discount my training (what kind of sales trainer would I be if I couldn’t negotiate my own training?) or if I can recommend any good books for sales so at least they get cheap sales training vs. free sales training.

What I finally end up telling them is that the source of the best free sales training on the planet is their kids. You can both learn from them and practice on them.

“How so?” I can hear you asking.

You can learn from them in their consistency and persistence when they want something. Now I’m not saying to go begging for stuff but kids know how to position their request and how to offer something of value first before they ask. For example, I got my 11 year old son to mow the yard each week in return for prepaying for an online game for him at a whopping $5 a month. (He hasn’t mastered negotiation, yet, but he’s still a work in progress.)

Conversely, you can master the skill of “close first, then present” with your kids and you probably already have. For example, my 4 year old daughter wanted a cookie last night but she was filthy from playing outside. As she was reaching for a cookie I told her, “Take a bath first then you may have a cookie.”

I got what I wanted – a clean kid with no fighting – and she got what she wanted – a cookie.

You must do the same in your own sales position. Once you master the skill of “Closing First. Then Presenting” your sales life will improve dramatically.

How’s that for some excellent free sales training advice? Don’t say I never gave you anything “fer” free.