DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
43
Account Executive
If they use profanity you can use profanity. Don't be the first one to do it!
TheColdestColdCall
Executive
3
Enterprise Account Executive
It's built genuine interactions but as a best practice - read the room before you start talking all sorts of shit. 
juan2free
Arsonist
2
Strategic Account Manager
Why tho?
CastleIsland
Tycoon
1
Associate Account Director
Agreed!

juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Why? Did you get burned by this or following the lead of others?
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
0
Account Executive
@RustyJJ In sales, you are always told to match the energy or the personality of the prospect. If they very professional and reserved profanity could be a major turn-off.

I've never been burned by it one way or another. Just kinda rule of thumb I live by. Would rather be safe than sorry.
SouthernSlayer
Good Citizen
1
Channel Partner Sales Manager
Yea, agreed. Feel them out and I would avoid the more offensive ones like the ole F-bomb. 
Flipper
Good Citizen
0
Staff Sales Engineer
I don't agree. If you are a genuine personality you can set the scene with a propper placed F bomb to get your point accross. There is a place and a time for everything. But read the room, know your prospect.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
^^
Money
Executive
0
Head of Sales
I start by dropping a few “craps” in the conversation and see how it develops. 90% of the time we’re speaking in my native sailor’s tongue within a few calls.
salesnerd
WR Officer
10
Head of Growth
There was a post about this a while back from a guy at Gong that showed cursing during a demo helps close rates. I agree.

edit: found it here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/startling-truth-how-cursing-impacts-sales-devin-reed
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
12
Account Executive
hahaha Gong will tell you that any data point they have will help increase close rates!
AboutThatSalesLife
Praised Answer
0
Director of Sales
Literally just posted a few days ago asking about Gong and if people found it useful. This was funny. 
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
0
Account Executive
@AboutThatSalesLife I'm sure managers and leadership teams love it. As an individual contributor, it's just kinda a big brother software. I can't say I use it often outside of my 1 on 1's. 

With everyone working from home I completely understand why a company would want their services. Gotta make sure those salespeople are faking dials hahahaha
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
This is amazing! Thank you!

How do you feel about it?
TINSTAAFL
Arsonist
0
AE
@davidpiete why are you saying that? 
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
1
Account Executive
@yoloboi69 Don't get me wrong Gong is a strong tool that provides insight. Sometimes the statistics they put out seem a little far-fetched. By telling you XYZ will help increase your close rate only builds value in their solution. It's data with a heavy bias. 
TINSTAAFL
Arsonist
0
AE
@davidpiete seems like you dont trust them. my only problem is that the data is from the US and  I work in CEE which is a totally different culture. 
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
1
Account Executive
Word on the street is Gong is collecting all this data to eventually try and build an automated sales bot. Hahaha so yes there is a bit of a trust issue!

But nothing wrong with trying some of their tips. I just don't recommend taking it as the gospel and dropping F-bombs on demos.
TINSTAAFL
Arsonist
1
AE
hahah you can drop an f-bomb only after the prospect does it first :P anyway, that sales bot would be just wow. How long could it take? 1-3 years? amazing times
DaveyDimes
Acclaimed Answer
2
Account Executive
@yoloboi69 hahaha more like terrifying times!!! If they automate me I don't know what I'll do. I'm in sales I don't have any hard skills hahaha
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
@davidpiete you sound scared often
exec
Acclaimed Answer
1
Account Executive
ah I remember this! Devin Reed is definitely someone everyone should follow 
fuzzy
Notable Contributor
6
CMO (Chief Meme Officer)
Cursing is conflated with honesty, but it's best to know your audience. Don't curse to people in Utah.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Ha - noted
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
3
Account Executive
Its not black and white. Use of profanity during the sales process or, an interview for that matter, boils down to mirroring.

if your prospect uses profanity, then mirroring the use of profanity can help build rapport and speed up relationship building.
funcoupons
WR Officer
0
👑
Agreed. I always let my prospect be the one to curse first, you don't want to look unprofessional or disrespectful. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Interesting. What if you use it in a way to bring the energy up? Or is that not an option?
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
1
Account Executive
In my opinion, this would be a mistake. Don’t swear unless they swear first and its not carte blanche to start saying anything... if they say ‘damn’ that’s not a green light to use f-bombs. Like i said, its all about mirroring.
funcoupons
WR Officer
1
👑
I agree with you. I'll go as far to say crap/damn/hell if the prospect swears. MAYBE I'd say shit if it felt appropriate. Would not use fuck or any iteration of fuck, even if the prospect used it. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Great outlook. I think this is where I sit with it too.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Does it depend on industry maybe?
Grant_Horun
Politicker
2
Account Executive
While watching the netflix series "history of swear words" I learned that using curse words triggers the emotional part of the brain. It also released serotonin in the person saying it. Per some other comments on the thread, if the people in the room wont take harshly to it, or even mirror it, then use em! My guess is that it would help as the serotonin levels will make everyone generally happier and at ease, thus wanting to buy. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Get them levels right! I'll just lead with that and see how it goes
deviantzen
WR Lieutenant
2
Consultant
My hard and fast rule is YES, but only after they say a curse word. I actually make it a point to drop a swear in the immediate 5 minute window after a prospect swears. Whole call tone can shift.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
See, this is more where I align too, but still think it might be based on industry/persona?
E_Money
Big Shot
2
💰
Fuck yeah, profanity is fucking great. Love that shit.
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
It's a damn shame to see this shit in any other fucking light huh? I dig it
Sellswimsell
2
VP Sales
I used to use profanity a ton, came from a sales culture where this was ok. I’m know in a sales culture where no one swears. I much prefer it. Swearing is a lazy way of communicating. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Is it lazy if its clever?
Sellswimsell
0
VP Sales
No if it’s clever then it’s clever :)
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
So you would say that swearing in a clever way is not lazy?
Sellswimsell
0
VP Sales
Not lazy 
ReadTheScript
Politicker
2
Sales Manager
Use it all the fucking time, I'm either using it as mirroring, to break someone's guard down or just to "splash the pot" to get a reaction.  Either way just be yourself and as a few others have said, read the room.
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
I think that "splashing the pot" is a great way to look at it the more I have read these comments. Being yourself should always be acceptable in the room!
AboutThatSalesLife
Praised Answer
2
Director of Sales
Personally, if someone swears during the course of a conversation in business I’m convinced I’m dealing with the “real” person. And not some fake corporate facade. So I actually think it has a strong impact but shouldn’t be overused.  
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
This very well may be the best reply on this thread... I think that you shed light onto the reality of this whole process. Great perspective!
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
1
Senior Account Executive
I feel ok about it but you need to read the room. Also ifnyou are doing it with colleagues check they like using this because if it doesn't work they might throw the blame at you
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing Pharaoh!
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
0
Senior Account Executive
I've been sharked so many times and been sabotaged. So tread carefully only do in one on one
SalesHead
Opinionated
1
Enterprise AE
It certainly depends on the audience but if I have built rapport with this customer, and know they would not be offended by it, then a well-timed four-letter word can carry weight and help shift a conversation. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
That's good. I do think Fuck is not the one here, but a nice shit always helps - take that as you will 🤣
SalesHead
Opinionated
0
Enterprise AE
Exactly, if you have a good relationship and they are trying to play hard ball a little, "shit, Mike. You know that's asking a little much out of me."
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
For sure. That is usually how I approach it too, but it's been great hearing others ideas too
Chief
Arsonist
1
Account Executive
If they swear, I'm swearing 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Like that spiderman gif where they point back and forth at each other? I like it!
Chief
Arsonist
1
Account Executive
Exactly. We're playing the same game here lol
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Tip of the 🎩
DwightsEgo
Politicker
1
BDR Manager
Hard to be cut and  dry here.....it goes back to what my parents told me when I was a young slug..."know your audience". 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Were your folks sales savages too?!
RedLightning
Politicker
1
Mid-Market AE
When I sold SMB and the product was preventing "getting burned" on payments, it helped. I don't remember the numbers on it, but if you got the prospect to call the people burning them on payments bastards or something along those lines your opp rate shot up dramatically
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
I love that story!
Kanyebut4sales
WR Lieutenant
1
Account Executive
fuck yea
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
🤘
TasteslikeGOLD
1
Regional Vice President
Remain Professional - If they Curse, you don't
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Eh, is that being uptight?
TasteslikeGOLD
0
Regional Vice President
I don't think so, I have young children and have mostly removed those words from my lexicon. Generally it's a sign of poor vocabulary. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Hmm.. I disagree and think it can be used in clever ways personally. But if its used without reason then it doesn't make sense. I also have kids and think that has nothing to do with it
BostonStartupSales
1
Enterprise Sales Lead
Agree with all of the comments; read the room / swear only if they swear first, use it with your closer relationships etc. It brings a certain level of honesty and authenticity to the champion relationship. 

Ex: "You know what, fuck this, I'm going to get all over the support team to get you a response - hold tight."

..An example of "theatrics" with a slow response to one of my key opportunities. ...Our champion appreciated how fired up I was about our engagement.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
I think that requires a super close relationship because that is riiiiiskay
SalesMofo
Big Shot
1
Head of Sales
My gauge of whether a convo was going well when I sold to marketing was whether they cursed.  If they said "Let me tell you this bullshit I have to deal with..." close rate was around 80%. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
That is too good! I see that being super relatable!
Rabbit
1
Account Executive
If I feel the deal is dying but not quite closed/lost, I'll break out some casual sentence enhancers on call regardless of whether or not they curse or not. Just to see if I can shock it back to life. It doesn't work, but it makes you feel better than begging.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
That is really funny and incredible insightful. I really like this idea and probably will try this!
Seagulzzz
Contributor
1
ESM
Oh man this depends so much on the audience.  In Germany, never.  In Boston, always
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Germans aren’t down? Interesting note. I’m not familiar with the culture too much. What’s up there?
Seagulzzz
Contributor
1
ESM
Germany is extremely formal.  You need to sign your emails with your full name.  God forbid you do not use all the prospect's titles in your salutation.  Game over
Seagulzzz
Contributor
0
ESM
Example: Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Prof. {Lastname}

Body of email
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Noted - thanks for the tip @Seagulzzz 
Ninerfan
Member
1
Partner Ambassador
I wouldn’t necessarily wait for them to curse, but if we are getting along and I feel the urge, I let it fly! Best they know who they are working with out the gate.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
I like that. More like a “trust the gut” approach
Premium_User
Fire Starter
1
Sales Manager
When I'm on a QBR or discovery call with a KDM who sounds like (s)he's not too pleased with how someone else in their supply chain is performing, sometimes I tell them that I'm happy to add two hours of Rent-A-Bastard™ to the work flow. "as a free annual subscription. Autorenews" 

"...useful for when you need someone to send your distributor an absolute rocket of an email, except you can't afford to have the relationship break down"

Boomers love it. Like, absolutely love it. 

And nothing is funnier than when they you get a call from reception "because a customer wants to cash-in on some sort of hours?" 


If you choose your audience well it goes a long way towards moving you from supplier, to trusted advisor
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Very unique and specific example for sure. Good share!
Wolf
Opinionated
1
Commercial Account Executive
Read the room and know your audience. I would never be the first to curse nor have I ever really. If your prospect does and it is just the way they speak though like Gary Vee for example, I would definitely mirror it and throw some in to my conversation with them.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
The legend, Gary Vee - he is always right!
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
All the fucking time.

but I’m selling to contractors so 🤷‍♀️
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
I like that
CaptainQualification
Contributor
1
VP of Sales
You definitely need to gauge where the conversation is and how relevant the profanity is. Think of it like adding spice to a meal. Do they like spice? Is the spice balanced? Is it only spice with no substance underneath???
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
Good perspective, thank you!
Austin
Celebrated Contributor
1
O&G O.G. - Sales Mgr. - NCSA
I’m no prude. And I’m guilty of swearing of all the fucking time. But, in business, I believe it - at the very least - shows a lack of intelligence / creativity, to use the same combination of 5-7 words to punctuate and emphasize your point... when there are so many superlatives to choose from. 

And, believe me, one “mother fucker” dropped at the wrong time won’t just kill a deal, but has the power to alter a relationship. 

Hope this is helpful. 

Sin-fucking-cerely,
AB
Trinity
WR Officer
0
BusDev
I have not tried nor am comfortable doing it with a client, even if I have a strong relationship with the client. But then again, I only swear when I'm frustrated/angry.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Do you think this depends on the industry served or is that irrelevant?
Trinity
WR Officer
0
BusDev
The industry is irrelevant. Even if the CEO swears, I just couldn't get myself to do it.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Do you think it would be different if you were closing the deal?
Trinity
WR Officer
0
BusDev
I was closing 7-8 figures and not swearing didn't make me lose any deals.
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
🎩
Mikey
Politicker
0
Senior Regional Director
Anything you can do to stand out. I think the right amount of occassional cursing gets the point across that you're serious. Ryan Serhant does it best! Check out his YouTube channel if you haven't already.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG98giOsUxIlXV0rNUhxLew
juan2free
Arsonist
1
Strategic Account Manager
Interesting on the standing out piece for sure - I think that timing it might not be ideal but maybe it's tied to the mirroring above?
Stringer
Arsonist
0
SDR
Mirroring - Chris Voss. Add that on top of a curse-word, now you're getting somewhere. 

Don't swear more than 3 times in any call or you start to be perceived differently. Never the F word. 
juan2free
Arsonist
0
Strategic Account Manager
Good feedback!
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