If you’re guilty of any of these, you run the risk…

Sitting in the wrong seat. Obviously, you wouldn't sit at the buyer's desk, but what do you do if you're shown into a conference room? Always let the buyer sit first. Let them indicate where they want you to sit.

Pitching to one person. One of the most common errors is pitching to whom you think is the main decision maker, or your primary contact. Whoops! Even when you know who the senior person is, don't pitch solely to him or her. Include everyone because there's a reason each person is there.

Assuming you're known. A busy prospect may well have forgotten why he or she ever made an appointment with you. Have a casual summary ready that includes your name, your company, and the purpose of the meeting. Make sure that in that summary you give the prospect a reason to want to continue the meeting.

Addressing the buyer too informally. Some sellers try to force rapport by calling the buyer by a first name or even a nickname Instead of forcing intimacy, err on the side of formality. Let the buyer suggest moving to a less formal approach.

Personal habits. First, over-anxiety manifested by sweating, clammy palms, or a cracking voice and are immediate deal-breakers, because they signal a lack of confidence. Similarly, buyers see too much flattery as a sign of weakness; that you're trying too hard to be liked or that what you're selling isn't good enough to stand on its own. Finally, salespeople who bend to every demand of the buyer, makes you look desperate.

Using jargon. If you pepper your pitch with jargon that's unfamiliar to the buyer, he probably won't stop you to ask for clarifications. No one likes to appear ignorant. But now you're pitching to a confused buyer so your chances of winning the deal just dropped.

Talking too fast. Salespeople have a reputation for talking fast. It makes you look nervous and confuses the buyer. Instead, slow down and give buyers time to process information. Talking more slowly makes you appear relaxed and thoughtful – two highly desirable qualities in a business partner.

Starting with an apology. Contrary to what many believe, an apology doesn't make you appear humble or excuse a sub-par performance, it only makes you look weak. Resist the urge to start a presentation by saying sorry. If you start this way, you've lost the deal.

Giving too much information. This applies professionally and personally. Don't go into minute details about your product or service. Don't give the buyer every fascinating detail about every line on your company's organisational chart. Don't recount the absorbing particulars of your golf handicap. Keep discussions at a high level and let the prospect steer the conversation into the areas in which he or she would like more detail.