I remember when I interviewed for my first sales job, the only reason I applied was because the company shared my philosophy about sustainability in business. And before that opportunity I never would have even considered applying for a sales position because I thought it was a sleazy, thankless job that I didn’t care for. I wanted to (and still strive to) make a positive difference; and according to my limited world view at the time, salespeople couldn’t do that!
I know I’m not the only person that has had these negative perceptions of salespeople. Their pushy, only care about making a buck and will tell you exactly what you want to hear just to make the sale. But wait, there’s more…..
It is a necessary process in business to make sales; to enter and execute on an agreement in exchange of goods or services for money. However, you don’t have to be sleazy, pushy or compromise your values to do sales!
That’s what I learned over my 5 years successfully selling and I continue to work on improving my skills while being authentic, sincere, honest and endearing. Over the years, I’ve found that the negative perceptions of the menacing, sleazy salesperson holds many small business owners back from realizing their dreams!
I am passionate about many, many, many things…….And helping business owners overcome their own limiting beliefs about selling is one of them. You are the architect of your own life and of your company. There are as many different philosophies about how to succeed in sales as there are salespeople. You could either follow a formula (for which there are thousands of get rich in sales schemes out there now). Or you can peruse some resources so that you’re able to pick and choose your own style, techniques and tools.
Here are five beliefs I’ve developed after expanding my own perceptions through learning and practicing the art of selling:
Anyone can learn how to utilize sales techniques, skills and abilities to improve the performance of their company. All you have to do is commit to pushing yourself, questioning your assumptions and exploring selling with authenticity.
Be discerning, evaluate your sales tactics. Do they align with your values? If they make you feel uncomfortable, ask why? Don’t follow a sales formula that you wouldn’t want someone to use on you!
Be a true believer! If you don’t truly believe in what you’re selling, then don’t sell it. If you do, leverage your passion to show your enthusiasm.
Sales is a numbers game. Not every potential client will buy, which is why you need to pursue multiple leads at once.
Sales isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about quality relationships first and foremost. Be genuine, sincere and authentic when developing a potential lead.
Would like to explore how to effectively develop your sales capabilities with authenticity and sincerity? If so, than I highly recommend that you join me at the next EntrepreNerds meeting. We’ll be discussing a classic and inspiring book, How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger. And I’m really looking forward to a thought provoking conversation about:
How to succeed in selling;
Ways to overcome one’s limiting beliefs that hinder performance;
Why it is important to approach sales systematically and with discipline;
And how to address the changing dynamics of business.
To provide a valuable a meaningful experience, participation is capped to 15 for this discussion! So RSVP today to reserve your space.
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