Authenticity is a buzz word in business.

Today’s consumers are independent; they don’t want salespeople – or anyone – telling them what to do or how to think. Instead, they want a personalized experience and value a company that stays true to who they are, what they do, and who they serve.

Using not-so-catchy sales phrases and the wrong language when meeting with prospects will drastically reduce the chance of getting another meeting. Here are 10 common sales phrases to bypass if you want to seal the deal.

Sales Phrases to Avoid

1. “Just wanted to check in.”
2. “Trust me.”
3. “That’s no problem at all.”
4. “You should...”
5. “Obviously...”
6. “I haven’t heard back from you.”
7. “To be honest with you …”
8. “Maybe…”
9. “If this is in your budget …”
10. “Can I send you more information?”

Predictable Sales Phrases and Overused Clichés

Using clichés and predictable sales phrases aren’t the worst sin you can commit. However, calling with, “just wanted to check in,” is not impressive and will not earn you your buyer’s time.

Whether you’re cold calling or sending a sales email, cut the overused sales phrases. Start the conversation with something like:

• “I saw your comment on a LinkedIn post and was reminded of our conversation.”
• “I noticed your company recently [hosted an event, moved, etc.]”
• "I realized I might have missed something important.”

“Maybe” is another habitual, overused word that makes salespeople look unprepared and unknowledgeable. If you catch yourself using “maybe,” “perhaps,” “possibly,” or “probably,” always follow-up your statement with a confident action plan.

Stock Phrases

The first five seconds of any meeting or presentation are the most critical. Sadly, a few of these 10 not-so-catchy sales phrases tend to come out within those first few seconds. For example,

“So, I just wanted to check in and touch base.”

1. So – is an empty calorie word.
2. Just – is a vague word that implies a half-hearted effort.
3. Wanted – you wanted, what about what they want?
4. Check in – when a salesperson needs to “check in,” it’s because a prospect missed a meeting or isn’t returning calls or emails – not a good sign.

You want to be a strong sales leader. Stock phrases are weak and damage your confidence and reputation.

Sales Phrases That Cause Concern

Did you know the word “honestly” actually instills a sense of distrust towards the speaker? Listeners subconsciously think you aren’t honest with them from the get-go.

Phrases like “you should …” and “obviously” are also insulting and pushy, and make consumers feel trapped and concerned. Your job is to guide them and be a leader, not push them towards a decision. It’s important to stay confident in your ability to help the prospect.

How to Close a Sale

Hubspot research shows that 69% of buyers said that sales reps should listen to their needs to make their sales experience positive. It was followed by:

• not being pushy (61%)
• providing relevant information (61%)
• gives information in a timely manner (51%)
• provides a range of options beyond his/her business offering (49%)
• cares about the success of the project/business (45%)
• details the ways they can help me succeed (37%)

Buyers seek personalized interactions with the companies they do business with, and they expect their sales reps to learn, understand, and anticipate their needs. All of this begins and ends with authenticity and bypassing common, overused sales phrases that do not portray confidence.