It has been said that selling drives the South Carolina economy. When you think about it, it has to be true. We sell ourselves out of bed in the morning; sell ourselves on what to eat for lunch. We even sell ourselves on where we might go on vacation. Selling is a basic ingredient in what we do every day.
There have been great salespeople in history who have made their mark in our lives. In recent history, Dale Carnegie (pictured right), Mary Kay Ash, Joe Girard, and Zig Ziglar among many have shown what it takes to be the best in sales. Here are six variables that will make you successful in the selling profession:
- Be engaged: There is no substitute for engagement, a smile and eye contact. On the phone, stand and smile into the receiver. Be pleasant and articulate with both texts and e-mails; on Facebook, Google +, and Twitter be a notch above professional in both posts and commentary.
- Be thoughtful: Always be aware of the time and effort the client has placed with you in the situation. Understand wants and needs and growing the relationship are essential to success.
- Be a knowledge expert: Being the best at both product and service information and truly knowing what is being sold moves the customer to the close more easily. Answer each question thoroughly and professionally. Most salespeople simply do not do their homework.
- Be focused: Have purpose in every interaction. Do not do anything without a reason. Practice and role play indeed pays off in preparation for a real deal.
- Know the customer: Blend both personal and professional discussion into the interview and fact finding. Remember names and remember what is motivating the client.
- Offer solutions: This is the key to success. Although no one can be a Dale Carnegie under normal circumstances, the more solutions you offer the more sales you will have. Be a solution finder and you will find success as well.
Being good in sales means financial success regardless of industry or economy. You can do it.
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