10 Things That Mark A Good Sales Person

Selling involves persuading, convincing and influencing others to our ideas, ways, products and services. In a way, all of us are doing some kind of selling every day. However, some have made it as their professional career. So, what marks a good sales person?

1. A strong belief in what he is selling characterized by his strong knowledge of the product or service represented. He knows he can’t sell something if he doesn’t believe in it. Someone said the best sales people are the preachers because of their strong sense of belief in their faith. If you buy in something thoroughly, you don’t need external rewards to push you to sell.

2. Love people and good in connecting with them. He has no problem talking to strangers. He possesses a strong desire to help and provides solutions.

3. It’s a myth that a good salesperson must be a good talker. Rather, good listening is key to success. Otherwise, how can he understand the needs of his clients well?

4. Able to express his thoughts clearly.

5. Flexible and always open to change.

6. Sanguine temperament with its high tendency to influence. Selling needs a lot of optimism especially during tough times. A sanguine temperament with an attitude of easy enthusiasm will get him going.

7. Perseverance – being rejected is part and parcel of the job. But, a good sales person does not give up easily.

8. Upgrade knowledge and skills continually – people can turn to him for advice in his particular industry. A good sales person is eventually the expert in his industry.

9. Accountable and trustworthy characterized by good follow through. These traits are the foundation of building any long-term relationships.

10. And he knows who Zig Ziglar is and had read one of his books…:)

Of course, the list is not exhaustive but armed with the above would give you a good head start.

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But It's A Sales Job

Most people I know avoid sales jobs. When fresh graduates complained they can’t get a job, I suggested to them to try out sales jobs. The reply, “But, it’s a sales job!”

Sales job is avoided, is being frowned at, and is despised. The rationale is: I don’t study 3 years to end up in sales. Fair enough.

But check this out...

Warren Buffet’s first career was selling chewing gum from door-to-door.

Seth Godin was selling Biorhythms at the age of 14 and later involved in media sales.

Sam Walton sold magazine subscriptions when he was young.

Why sales job should not be shunned?

The best platform to meet new people and new opportunities.

With commission or incentive as part of the remuneration package, the sky is the limit in terms of earning power.

Your network of friends enlarged in no time.

A good starting point for any business venture later. Running a business well by definition is about putting your best selling skills forward.

Search for sales jobs in Malaysia

Ok, I got it. Sales job is not that bad after all. But....I am really scared talking to people, what more strangers..

You are right! It was said cold calling ranks up there together with public speaking and death in terms of fear. But if you are able to conquer it, you can almost overcome anything. Think about that.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this article. A good read.

Fight the fear: How to make a success of cold calling