NBDB now accepting applicants for 2013 writing grant (Deadline 30 August 2013)
You 2.0
Be Better At Sales
Sales jobs can be tough, and you'll likely encounter rejection several times before closing a deal. You'll need to develop your patience, so you don't face the next customer all stressed out.
1 views
16 Jun 2011 
Print This Post
Photo by Paul Moore for photoxpress
Many businesses rely on good salespeople to stay competitive, and if you’d like to try this path, you’ll always have jobs to choose from. If you’re new to the job market or thinking of shifting careers, you’ll notice this after checking the classifieds for a few weeks. Make the right decisions, and this could be a rewarding career for you.
Some people are good at this naturally. If you aren’t, then here are a few things you work on to be better at this job:
1. Do your research
Why should people buy your product or service, or patronize your company? Just because you said so? Your company will be giving you a script to help you sell the product, but the best sales people go beyond the script — they back it up with facts and numbers.
Tip: Search online and read the testimonials of people who like your product and similar ones from other companies. Better yet, check out the feedback of those who don’t like it and know why someone would say no to you.
2. Start thinking in terms of “win-win”
Some sales jobs require negotiation. This can sound intimidating, but it’s really just the ability to get a good deal, and convince the customer that they got a good deal too.
Tip: Put yourself in the customer’s shoes, try to think as they would think. And know that people are motivated not just by lowest price.
3. Say what you mean in a clear and convincing way
You won’t sell much if people get confused whenever you try to explain things. This is a common problem for people who memorize rather than communicate.
Tip: When your company offers training in speaking and writing, take it, even if you think you’re a good communicator already. From training sessions you’ll get valuable practice time, as well as expert feedback, so you know how you can improve.
4. Practice patience
Sales jobs can be tough, and you’ll likely encounter rejection several times before closing a deal. You’ll need to develop your patience, so you don’t face the next customer all stressed out.
Tip: Keep detailed notes about your work, even the deals you didn’t get. Review what went wrong, and try something different next time. Always end on a pleasant note, because these contacts could still be useful in the future.
1 views
There is one thing important you missed. You are dealing with people and it is people you must understand to generate long term rapour and repeatability in Sales. Learn to understand the different techniques in understanding the behavior of the different segments of people.
I support this comment.
Thank you.
Great comment, Sonny!
Thank you
The key factor is selling yourself first.
Ideally, yes, one must sell oneself first. But what about those instances where you have a limited amount of time to pitch your sale? Would you know any tips on how to sell yourself in under a couple of minutes?
Since we can’t prepare for every different situation, we tell students to prepare a “tell me about yourself” script. It should be short and have the highlights of whatever it is about yourself you are featuring. (Three items would do, if it’s a list.)