Pencil Selling: How visual thinking changes the way we sell complex services
Ever tried to explain something over the phone that felt almost impossible to describe with just words? At bikablo, we believe in enabling people to think with the pen—even in banking, insurance, or tech.
In situations where people need to explain complex products or services, a quick sketch—on a tablet or paper—can make all the difference.
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What Is Pencil Selling?
Pencil selling is the act of using simple visual sketches—on paper or digitally—
to explain products or services during a sales conversation.
Instead of just talking about features or policies, pencil selling allows you to show them in real time.
It helps bridge knowledge gaps and turns passive listeners into active participants.
This approach is especially useful in industries like insurance, banking, technology, and healthcare,
where services can feel abstract or overwhelming.
Real-World Example: Pencil Selling in Insurance
Imagine a field representative from an insurance company visiting a rural client. The client isn’t fully comfortable with technical jargon or online forms. The rep opens a tablet and starts sketching out what the insurance package actually covers—simple visuals showing risks, protection layers, and monthly costs.
As the sketch takes shape, the client begins to nod. They get it now.
That’s pencil selling in action: turning a confusing proposal into a clear, visual conversation. No slides. No pressure. Just understanding.
Seven Benefits of Pencil Selling
- Simplifies Complex Ideas – Break down topics into easy, visual pieces.
- Builds Trust – Sketching in real time shows transparency.
- Boosts Engagement – Visuals keep attention better than words alone.
- Improves Memory Retention – People remember visual info better.
- Works in Remote Settings – Tablet sketches work even over video calls.
- Customizes the Pitch – Each sketch is unique to the client’s situation.
- Reduces Sales Resistance – Visual explanations feel more collaborative.
Why not Becoming a Pencil Seller?
In a fast-moving, often digital-first world, we need ways to bring clarity and empathy back into conversations. Pencil selling does just that. With tablets, styluses, and collaborative whiteboard tools, we’re making visual thinking accessible anywhere—from a conference room to a rural village.
At bikablo, we created visual tools and training designs to support global teams to sell smarter and communicate better. Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, or tech, pencil selling can turn your sales meetings into moments of clarity.
For example, check our Pencil Selling Visualisation Guide (see picture) that provides visual vocabulary and digital design templates that we can easily customise for your business.
Get in touch and learn more!
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