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Sales Skills: Build Trust And Influence Buyers

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Sales Skills: Build Trust And Influence Buyers

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply challenger-style insight to shape buyer perspectives

  • Use persuasion psychology and questioning to guide conversations

  • Navigate multi-stakeholder negotiations, procurement expectations and formal RFP processes with confidence.

  • Build trust and influence early B2B buying decisions

Details to know

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Recently updated!

April 2026

Assessments

20 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Advanced Sales Training: Challenging, Coaching And Closing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 10 modules in this course

This course introduces the core principles of challenger-style selling and insight-led communication that help sales professionals influence buyer thinking early in the sales process. You will learn how to communicate value clearly, build trust quickly and use behavioural psychology to guide productive sales conversations.

Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, you’ll strengthen your ability to ask diagnostic questions, uncover buyer motivations and create constructive tension that encourages customers to rethink problems and explore better solutions. You’ll also learn how persuasion principles, social selling and messaging strategies can support more effective prospecting and early-stage deal development. Designed for sales professionals and client-facing roles who want to influence conversations with greater credibility and confidence, this course provides the mindset and tools needed to progress opportunities without pressure-based tactics. By the end, you will be equipped to engage buyers more effectively and prepare for the coaching and decision-guidance techniques developed in the next course.

In this module, you’ll develop the essential sales skills required to engage buyers confidently and create value early in the sales process. You’ll learn how to prepare for sales conversations, understand buyer motivations and communicate your value with clarity and credibility. Through practical techniques, you’ll strengthen your ability to build trust, guide discussions and maintain momentum through key stages of the deal. This module provides a strong foundation for running effective, professional sales interactions in modern selling environments.

What's included

18 videos2 readings2 assignments

18 videosTotal 57 minutes
  • What You Will Learn On This Course1 minute
  • Who Is Philip Hesketh?0 minutes
  • The Number One Universal Killer Question In Selling3 minutes
  • The Importance Of Establishing The Client's Expectations2 minutes
  • How To Close The Sale Without Sounding Like A Salesman4 minutes
  • People Buy Emotionally And Justify Logically - What To Do About It4 minutes
  • Don’t Assume You Know The Buyer’s Priorities5 minutes
  • How To Unearth The Buyer’s Strategic Needs3 minutes
  • The Importance Of Implications4 minutes
  • Being Prepared For Objections4 minutes
  • The Most Common Objections And How To Handle Them4 minutes
  • How To Get People To Choose What You Want Them To4 minutes
  • What Buyers Say And What They Really Mean3 minutes
  • What Does Value For Money Really Mean?3 minutes
  • Five Proven Techniques To Save Money And Make Money4 minutes
  • The Words: ‘Typically’, ‘Realistically’, ‘Currently’, ‘Given’ And ‘Yet’2 minutes
  • Justifying Your Price - The Power Of One4 minutes
  • The Final ‘Killer Questions’ That Allow You To Negotiate More Successfully4 minutes
2 readingsTotal 25 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Value Creation, Buyer Confidence And Deal Momentum15 minutes
  • Project: Preparing And Leading Effective Sales Conversations10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes
  • Value Creation And Buyer Confidence Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Value Creation And Buyer Confidence Techniques15 minutes

In this module, you’ll focus on executing sales conversations with greater commercial impact and strategic intent. You’ll learn how to influence decision-making, manage objections and create outcomes that support long-term value and growth. By applying structured approaches to negotiation, pricing and deal progression, you’ll strengthen your ability to close effectively while protecting relationships and commercial outcomes. This module supports confident sales execution and helps you drive sustainable results across a range of sales scenarios.

What's included

13 videos2 readings2 assignments

13 videosTotal 49 minutes
  • The Real Meaning Of ‘Win-Win’4 minutes
  • The Rules For Discounting3 minutes
  • How To Hold A High Price4 minutes
  • How To Increase Average Order3 minutes
  • The Compromise Effect3 minutes
  • All You Need To Know About Time Management3 minutes
  • Recognising The Moment That Matters And The Role Of ‘Enough’6 minutes
  • What To Do When It Starts Going Wrong5 minutes
  • How To Understand Other People - Can You Clarify?4 minutes
  • How To Build Your Reputation And Get Your Client To Feel Indebted To You4 minutes
  • Selling In The Long Term And Being Recommended4 minutes
  • How To Deliver A Great Presentation3 minutes
  • Why PowerPoint Doesn’t Work And What To Do With It3 minutes
2 readingsTotal 20 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Influence And Commercial Value10 minutes
  • Project: Recognising And Acting On Moments That Matter10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes
  • Sales Influence And Commercial Value Knowledge Check15 minutes
  • Applying Sales Influence And Commercial Value Techniques30 minutes

This module expands your foundational skills by introducing practical, repeatable techniques you can apply during live sales conversations. You’ll learn how to guide buyers through their decision-making process, reframe resistance without pressure and use confidence-based communication to strengthen commitment. The module also focuses on behavioural techniques that increase momentum, reduce hesitation and help prospects feel secure moving forward. By building on the fundamentals from Module 1, this module equips you to handle real-time challenges and positions you for deeper trust-building work in the next stage of the course.

What's included

19 videos2 readings2 assignments

19 videosTotal 40 minutes
  • Introduction2 minutes
  • Everybody Sells3 minutes
  • Taking The Fear Out Of Selling2 minutes
  • Thought Exercise: Gut Feel1 minute
  • You Need To Believe2 minutes
  • Exercise: Jumping In The Customer’s Shoes3 minutes
  • Don't Focus On Closing2 minutes
  • ABC (Attunement, Buoyancy And Clarity)1 minute
  • Did You Always Dream of Being in Sales?2 minutes
  • Exercise: The Notebook1 minute
  • Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs2 minutes
  • Learning From Coca-Cola2 minutes
  • Why The Buyer's State Of Mind Matters1 minute
  • Why Your State Of Mind Matters1 minute
  • Mood Fluctuations3 minutes
  • The Customer's Decision-Making Process3 minutes
  • Exercise: What Is The Customer Thinking?4 minutes
  • Prepare, Connect, Probe, Match, Agree, Close2 minutes
  • Checklist4 minutes
2 readingsTotal 20 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Sales Techniques To Close More Deals10 minutes
  • Project: Mindful Sales Connection10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 25 minutes
  • Sales Techniques And Deal Closing Knowledge Check15 minutes
  • Applying Sales Techniques And Closing Strategies10 minutes

This module explores the psychology behind why customers make decisions — and how ethical persuasion can shape their buying choices. You’ll examine cognitive biases, emotional triggers and behavioural patterns that influence consumer responses. Using relatable examples, you’ll learn how to apply principles such as social proof, framing, scarcity and reciprocity to enhance your marketing and sales impact while maintaining trust. By the end, you’ll understand how to motivate action and design more compelling customer experiences.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 44 minutes
  • Influence And Decision-Making8 minutes
  • Behavioural Economics And Marketing7 minutes
  • Social Influence And Team Dynamics7 minutes
  • Neuroscience And Persuasion9 minutes
  • Ethical Persuasion And Business Ethics6 minutes
  • Customer Behaviour And User Experience6 minutes
3 readingsTotal 30 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Persuasion And Buyer Decision-Making10 minutes
  • Worksheets: Persuasion And Consumer Behaviour10 minutes
  • Project: Persuasion In Action - Crafting An Effective And Ethical Marketing Strategy10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes
  • Persuasion And Consumer Behaviour Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Persuasion And Consumer Behaviour Strategies30 minutes

In this module, you’ll discover how trust functions as a psychological catalyst in sales interactions. You’ll explore techniques for building credibility, strengthening rapport and reducing perceived risk for prospects. The module also reveals why emotional intelligence, authenticity and consistent communication are essential for long-term customer relationships. By applying these principles, you’ll learn to create an environment where prospects feel understood, supported and ready to move forward. This trust-based foundation prepares you for strategic negotiation and stakeholder-influence skills.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 42 minutes
  • Building Rapport And Trust In Sales Relationships7 minutes
  • Negotiation Psychology8 minutes
  • Understanding Buyer Behaviour9 minutes
  • Confidence And Resilience In Sales6 minutes
  • Neuroscience Of Decision Making6 minutes
  • Overcoming Objections6 minutes
3 readingsTotal 30 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Applying Core Sales Techniques To Win Deals10 minutes
  • Worksheets: Collaborative Negotiation And Stakeholder Alignment10 minutes
  • Project: Craft Your Perfect Sales Pitch10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes
  • Trust And Influence In Sales Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Trust-Building Techniques In Sales10 minutes

This module teaches you how to activate social channels to generate higher-quality leads and accelerate complex deal cycles. You’ll learn how to position your expertise online, initiate meaningful prospect conversations and create content that attracts the right buying groups. These techniques support the multi-stakeholder engagement frameworks introduced in C218, ensuring your pipeline aligns with the strategic opportunities you’re now able to manage. This sets the foundation for the structured proposal and procurement work covered next.

What's included

15 videos10 readings2 assignments

15 videosTotal 86 minutes
  • Introduction10 minutes
  • What Has Changed? 8 minutes
  • Why Social Selling Is An Essential Tool To Scale Your Relationships 4 minutes
  • The Modern Sales Tools5 minutes
  • What Social Selling Is And Is Not7 minutes
  • Who Are Your Most Valued Customers? 5 minutes
  • Understand Your Audience Better Through Social3 minutes
  • Optimise Your Personal Profile for Sales4 minutes
  • Build Your Personal Sales Ready Profile 4 minutes
  • Engage And Connect With Personality10 minutes
  • Create Visibility Through Content That Educate 6 minutes
  • Turn Social Conversations Into Sales Conversations  6 minutes
  • Construct Your Scale Your Sales Social Sales Cadence5 minutes
  • Create Your Social Selling Customer Growth Plan8 minutes
  • Summary And Conclusion2 minutes
10 readingsTotal 95 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Leverage The Power Of Social Media To Engage Prospects And Generate More Leads10 minutes
  • Worksheet: Social Selling And Prospect Engagement10 minutes
  • Article: Harvard Business Review5 minutes
  • Article: Sales Tools10 minutes
  • Social Media Audience10 minutes
  • What Is Social Listening?10 minutes
  • Exercises: Target Audience And Social Listening10 minutes
  • Article: Leverage LinkedIn For Sales Development10 minutes
  • Article: Master The Art Of Social Selling10 minutes
  • Project: Build Your Social Selling Success Plan10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes
  • Social Selling And Prospect Engagement Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Social Selling And Prospect Engagement Techniques30 minutes

What's included

8 videos7 readings2 assignments

8 videosTotal 51 minutes
  • Introduction10 minutes
  • The Four Stages Of A Sales And Marketing Funnel7 minutes
  • Sales Metrics And The Fundamentals Of Funnel Optimisation 6 minutes
  • Creating An Ideal Customer Profile4 minutes
  • Selling Value To Your Customer 6 minutes
  • The Buyer’s Journey 7 minutes
  • The Importance Of Customer Retention And Lifetime Value 5 minutes
  • Customer Experience For Retention And Growth6 minutes
7 readingsTotal 70 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Master The Sales Funnel To Optimise Your Winning Sales Process10 minutes
  • Ultimate Guide To The Sales Funnel: Strategy And Resources10 minutes
  • Worksheet: Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)10 minutes
  • Worksheet: Sales Process Part 110 minutes
  • Worksheet: Sales Process Part 210 minutes
  • Worksheet: How To Calculate Customer Lifetime Value10 minutes
  • Project: Designing Your Sales Process Aligned To The Buyer’s Journey10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes
  • Sales Funnel Strategy Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Sales Funnel Strategy30 minutes

In this module, you will build a strong strategic foundation for selling during periods of economic uncertainty and change. You’ll explore how sales thinking has evolved, why traditional approaches often fall short and the behaviours required to succeed in modern B2B environments. Through frameworks such as the Inspiring Challenger, PEST analysis and market-force analysis, you’ll learn how to create insight, position expertise and tailor your message to customer priorities. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how strategic insight and informed challenge enable sales professionals to inspire customers, shape thinking and prepare the ground for more complex buying decisions.

What's included

15 videos12 readings2 assignments

15 videosTotal 66 minutes
  • Introduction3 minutes
  • Insight vs Information3 minutes
  • The History Of Sales Methodologies6 minutes
  • Understanding The 5 Different Selling Profiles8 minutes
  • Why Old Truths About Relationships & Consultative Sales Are No Longer Relevant5 minutes
  • What Are The Qualities Of The Inspiring Challenger?3 minutes
  • The 3 Rules Of The Inspiring Challenger Sale4 minutes
  • Inspiring Customers To Learn & The PEST Analysis4 minutes
  • Porters 5 Market Forces4 minutes
  • Building Your Expertise5 minutes
  • Optimal Tailoring3 minutes
  • The Inspiring Challenger Pitch Overview4 minutes
  • The Warmer: Introducing The Insight3 minutes
  • The Reframe & Rational Drowning3 minutes
  • Emotional Impact & A New Way9 minutes
12 readingsTotal 120 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Understanding Market Trends And Buyer Expectations10 minutes
  • Exercise: My Personal Objectives10 minutes
  • Exercise: My Previous Sales Learning10 minutes
  • Exercise: My Sales Profile10 minutes
  • Exercise: Adapting For Success10 minutes
  • Exercise: PEST Analysis10 minutes
  • Exercise: What Does A Better Pitch Deck Look Like?10 minutes
  • Exercise: Porter’s Five Forces10 minutes
  • Exercise: Sources Of Expertise10 minutes
  • Exercise: Tailoring Your Sales Collateral10 minutes
  • Exercise: Creating Your Warmer10 minutes
  • Exercise: Unique Selling Points10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes
  • Sales Strategy: Apply Modern Insight To Succeed In Changing Markets30 minutes
  • Sales Strategy: Apply Modern Insight To Succeed In Changing Markets10 minutes

In this module, you will focus on navigating customer decision-making and taking greater control of complex sales opportunities. You’ll learn how buying decisions are made across multiple stakeholders, how to map and influence decision-making networks and how to align your approach across the wider account team. The module also develops your ability to manage sales momentum, assertiveness and commitment using structured control techniques. By the end, you’ll be equipped to guide opportunities forward with confidence, strengthen deal progression and apply practical control strategies that support success in later modules on enterprise engagement and pipeline management.

What's included

9 videos10 readings2 assignments

9 videosTotal 39 minutes
  • Maximise Your Customer Decision Making Network6 minutes
  • Understanding The Decision Making Process & Who Is Influencing The Process5 minutes
  • Methods Of Customer Mapping5 minutes
  • Creating A Joined Up Approach3 minutes
  • Taking Control Of Your Sales Pipeline7 minutes
  • The Assertiveness Continuum4 minutes
  • Using The Agreement Staircase5 minutes
  • How To Get Anything You Want In Life3 minutes
  • Final Summary2 minutes
10 readingsTotal 100 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Managing Complex Buying Decisions10 minutes
  • Decision-Making Units10 minutes
  • Exercise: Influencing The Process10 minutes
  • Exercise: Creating Your Decision Makers Map10 minutes
  • Exercise: Enrolling Your Team10 minutes
  • Uncovering The Way Beneath The Way10 minutes
  • Exercise: The Assertiveness Continuum10 minutes
  • Exercise: The Agreement Staircase10 minutes
  • Exercise: Final Action Planning10 minutes
  • Project: Decision-Maker Mapping For Complex Sales10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes
  • Negotiation Techniques Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Negotiation Techniques In Sales30 minutes

This module introduces the core negotiation strategies needed to influence outcomes while maintaining strong professional relationships. You’ll learn how to prepare effectively, identify interests, manage tension and structure proposals in a way that benefits both sides. Through psychological principles and practical negotiation frameworks, you’ll strengthen your ability to navigate difficult conversations and secure mutually beneficial agreements. Building on the trust and communication skills from earlier modules, this section prepares you to negotiate with confidence in more complex internal and cross-functional environments.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 44 minutes
  • Negotiation Styles And Strategies9 minutes
  • Cognitive Biases In Negotiation9 minutes
  • Emotional Intelligence In Negotiation9 minutes
  • Power Dynamics In Negotiation 6 minutes
  • Cross-Cultural Negotiation5 minutes
  • Ethical Considerations In Negotiation 5 minutes
3 readingsTotal 30 minutes
  • Lesson Descriptions: Negotiation Psychology And Buyer Motivation10 minutes
  • Worksheets: Negotiation Psychology And Buyer Motivation10 minutes
  • Project: Mastering Negotiation Skills10 minutes
2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes
  • Negotiation Techniques Knowledge Check30 minutes
  • Applying Negotiation Techniques In Sales Conversations10 minutes

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