They say it’s lonely on the way to the top but we’re not so sure. Just ask anyone who’s tried climbing Ben Nevis in August!
The same goes for a career in sales. No matter what kind of sector you specialise in or would like to move into, you won’t get by without a little help from your friends.
In this spirit of teamwork, we’ve brought together a group of pals with the best advice to help you get the most out of your sales role.
“For every sale you miss because you’re too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you’re not enthusiastic enough.”
Yes, it’s our old friend Zig Ziglar. Besides having a name that surely inspired the Spice Girls’ best lyrics, Zig had a thing or two you really, really want to hear about salesmanship.
This quote forms the bedrock of your own sales practice. Rejection is part and parcel of the sales life but keeping a positive attitude is a winner – so never be scared to enjoy pitching.
“Treat objections as requests for further information.”
So said Brian Tracy, the author and self-development specialist.
Objection handling is a big challenge in sales and our Brian knows it.
Whether it’s sourcing information, hooking customers into your pitch or getting them over the finish line, you’ll be navigating a maze of indecision.
By treating objections like requests or questions, you can slip in more information and the customer feels they’re in control.
“Ninety percent of selling is conviction and 10 percent is persuasion.”
Shiv Khera, author of self-help favourite You Can Win, hits the nail on the head here.
Sales is almost all conviction. It’s one thing having confidence and understanding in your product or service, but if you can’t combine this with a confidence in yourself to show it, who’s going to buy it?
So, if you’re in a specialist sales market – from cars to insurance to financial services – conviction and persuasion are the two elements that make up a successful sales formula.
“The best way to sell yourself to others is first to sell the others to yourself.”
This quote from Napoleon Hill is one of sales’ longest held secrets.
If you want an audience to feel comfortable with you, familiarise yourself with them first.
Take a genuine interest in finding out more about the individual or group you’re selling to and they’ll take a genuine interest in you and your product.
Now get the most out of your career with new sales positions from s1jobs.