Do you ever wonder about what makes a salesperson successful? I do. Here’s a very clever infographic on successful entrepreneurs thatBiztraffic.com developed. Here’s where I see the similarities between entrepreneurs and successful salespeople.
Drive. You had better want to do better in sales. You’re already in trouble if you’re comfortable with where you are now. I can promise you that your competitors are not staying in place.
Support. Selling can be a lonely profession. Yes, I know you’re part of a sales team. Next time you don’t make your goals tell that to your boss. He doesn’t care. You have to have the support of your family, friends, mentor, or those who believe in you when things are difficult.
Determination. When you hear “no” from a prospect, if you’re not determined you will be less successful in sales. That’s why it’s so important to love the product or service that you sell.
Goals. What are you striving to achieve? Salespeople without goals (and I worked once for a company that didn’t have them) makes no sense to me. How do you know if you’re doing well if you don’t know what you’re supposed to achieve?
Passion. See determination. You had better love what you sell, the process and the uncertainty of sales if you want to be successful in sales.
Competition. Great salespeople are competitive. The best salespeople are competitive with themselves. They’re never “done.” They’re always improving. There’s always a better way of serving customers.
Sacrifice. I hope I’m not the first person to tell you that sales isn’t a 9 to 5 job. You’re going to work harder than anyone else if you want to do the best for your customers. You’re going to care about your customers. That’s a sacrifice you will make. Your family ideally will respect you more that you care not only for them, but for your customers, too.
BONUS: Entrepreneurs are always learning. I hope when you’re not selling that you’re reading more about selling, the sales process, the brain, communication and other topics related to business. I hope you’re reading about topics that don’t relate to selling. Why? You’ll learn something that will help you sell.
Best wishes for your continued sales success!