Peeling Back the Layers of an Onion for Deep Understanding in Sales


As a sales professional, understanding your customer's needs and desires is crucial to your success. But what if we told you that there's more to understanding your customers than just knowing what they want? What if we told you that there are five layers to peeling back for a deep understanding of your customer's emotions and motivations?


 These layers are emotions driving them, how they feel, what they do, how they say it, and what they say. In this blog post, we'll explore each of these layers and how they can help you better connect with your customers.


  1. Emotions Driving Them

The first layer is the emotions that are driving your customers. People make decisions based on their emotions, so it's essential to understand what is motivating them to make a purchase. Are they feeling excited, anxious, or happy? By understanding their emotions, you can tailor your sales pitch to address their concerns and desires.


  1. How They Feel

The second layer is how your customers feel about your product or service. Are they satisfied with their current solution, or are they looking for something new? Understanding how they feel about your product can help you address any concerns or objections they may have and provide a solution that meets their needs.


  1. What They Do

The third layer is what your customers do. What actions do they take to solve their problems, and what steps do they take to make a purchase? Understanding their behavior can help you tailor your sales approach to meet their needs and provide them with the best possible solution.


  1. How They Say It

The fourth layer is how your customers say it. What language do they use to describe their needs and desires, and how do they communicate their concerns and objections? By understanding their communication style, you can tailor your sales pitch to meet their needs and address their concerns effectively.


  1. What They Say

The final layer is what your customers say. What objections do they have, and what questions do they ask? By understanding their concerns, you can provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision and address any objections they may have.


In conclusion, peeling back the layers of an onion can be a challenging and tearful process, but it's worth it to gain a deep understanding of your customers. By understanding the emotions driving them, how they feel, what they do, how they say it, and what they say, you can tailor your sales approach to meet their needs and provide them with the best possible solution. So the next time you're speaking with a potential customer, remember to peel back the layers and truly understand what drives them.


Looking to drive a new process or thinking about your sales process and strategy differently chat with me today Jcooper@jasoncoper.io


High Performance Blog

By Jason Cooper July 9, 2025
Five years ago, I hit ‘record’ for the very first time on The Global Sales Leader Podcast. I didn’t have a perfectly soundproof studio, a production team, or even a long-term plan—just a fire in my belly and a deep desire to have conversations that mattered. Now, entering the fifth year of hosting conversations with extraordinary business leaders, I’ve become even more selective—every episode must echo my core belief: dialogue, when done right, is a catalyst for change. Today, it’s a great honour and a pleasure to share that The Global Sales Leader Podcast has been listed in the Top 100 Best Business Leadership Podcasts on MillionPodcasts.com. That recognition isn’t just about me—it’s about the power of purposeful conversations, the loyal listeners who lean in, and the incredible guests who share not just knowledge, but wisdom. THREE KEY INSIGHTS People Buy Energy, Not Just Expertise In every conversation, I’ve learned that what resonates most isn’t jargon or perfectly structured advice—it’s human energy. That passion, vulnerability, and truth that comes through when a guest shares their “why” is what sticks. People buy people. Not titles. Relationship Capital is the New ROI From Philip Squire to Tom Ziglar, my guests often echo this: long-term trust outperforms short-term gains. Whether you're selling software or pitching a keynote, it's your ability to build relational equity—emotionally and intellectually—that defines your success trajectory. Podcasting Isn’t a Side Hustle—It’s a Relationship Accelerator Your voice in someone’s ears is intimacy at scale. Being part of someone’s commute, workout, or late-night work sprint is a privilege—and a responsibility. It’s how we build brand trust in a noisy world. ONE ACTIONABLE TIP Want to elevate your brand and build authentic authority? Don’t just get on podcasts—build relationships with hosts, producers, and booking agents. Start with the Top 100 Business Leadership Podcasts on MillionPodcasts.com. Reach out respectfully. Offer a perspective that serves their audience, not just your own agenda. Remember: Outreach that connects always outperforms outreach that pitches. SIGN-OFF As always, thank you for listening, sharing, and evolving with me. Whether you’re in sales, leadership, or just passionate about personal growth, I’m here to help you show up as your best self—strategically and sincerely. 🎧 Listen to the latest episodes: YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eeUh8JNb iTunes: https://bit.ly/4dSE5p3 Let’s keep building purpose-driven conversations that lead to performance-driven results. — Jason #LeadershipPodcast #SalesLeadership #HighPerformanceMindset #PurposeDrivenConversations #GlobalSalesLeader
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