Minute Learn Opportunity - SALES
Posted on September 03, 2024 by Barbara Valentine, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
An information-packed quick read that will overview sales and includes a take-away suggestion
Why is it that so many people share a similar reaction to two different words: sales and cancer – there is fear, dread, concern to mention a few.
Granted there are the professional sales people among us who thrive in using their skills to convince others to try, buy, or do what they want. But for the majority of us, we would be happy to live our entire personal and professional lives without having to sell anything. But, the fact is we all have to sell so this article is meant to ease into the issue.
Most negative feelings are caused by our perception of sales and selling, our own experiences, and a genuine dislike of having to ask for anything. However, we can’t avoid selling even if we aren’t selling a product or service. We want a promotion, have a project or idea we want supported, want the most qualified candidate to join our organization, want to convince our significant other to agree to our vacation or car selection. What we are selling in these instances is probably the most difficult for us to promote – ourselves.
For the professional sales person to be successful, the first thing they have to sell is – you guessed it – themselves. So, let’s look at some basic things you can do to sell yourself as you present what you want…
• Be positive and enthusiastic – Project confidence and personal belief in what you want.
• Be knowledgeable – Have all the key facts and be prepared to answer questions.
• Be sincere and honest – Avoid making things up or embellishing and admit if you don’t know
something (but offer to research the answer and get back to the person).
• Listen carefully – You can learn much more by listening, rather than talking, and your
audience will appreciate the fact that you care about what they have to say.
• Empathize – Put yourself in the other person’s position so you can better understand what
they need, how they think and how best to reach them.
• Project fairness – Leave no doubt in the other person’s mind that you have values and
complete activities in a manner that is fair to all.
• Know your audience – By preparing and doing your homework, you ensure people feel you
have taken an interest in them, are concerned about them, and want to help.
Take-away suggestion:
By making a concerted effort to follow these suggestions, your personal sales interactions will be less stressful and you will have a greater opportunity to succeed. You will also be better prepared to tackle some of the more advanced sales strategies.
