Our personalities to some extent determine which jobs we might enjoy and excel in. People who are good at sales can do quite well for themselves, but it is not a career for everybody. Some of the necessary traits include the ability to learn from mistakes, a thick skin, and a dose of happiness.
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“If you declined my son’s offer to buy popcorn from his Cub Scout Pack yesterday, I owe you one,” writes Trey Tomkins on LinkedIn.
Before you cringe, picturing cruel shoppers ignoring a child’s fundraising table, know that Tomkins is completely sincere. Why would he be grateful to see his son exposed to rejection? Because of the lessons learned from the experience. Over dinner that night, he explains, his son told him that “selling is hard work because you have to let so many people tell you ‘no’ before you ever get someone to tell you ‘yes.'”
A good lesson for a budding salesperson.
Thick Skin
It’s a myth that you have to be good at accepting rejection in order to be good in sales, says Tony Parinello in Entrepreneur. Rather, they must not take every rejection personally, or do they build up so many defenses that they come across as aggressive or unpleasant.
To some extent, a thick skin is necessary. The best salespeople simply learn from their mistakes and move forward. People who are likely to become depressed and internalize failures will likely be unhappy in sales, but people who learn from experiences, both positive and negative, may become quite good at sales.
Happiness
Happy people in sales are more successful, and for good reason. Happy, friendly people attract the good will of others. Potential customers will listen to a happy salesperson longer, be comfortable around this person, and is more likely to choose to make a purchase.
This does not mean that successful sales people force a party atmosphere on customers; just the opposite. Genuine happiness in your career choice will come through naturally and help you succeed in sales. If you have to force it, you are probably not happy.
Tell Us What You Think
Have you worked in sales, or would you like to? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
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I have always loved working with people and have been schooled in sales to close deals. I tried the techniques on my sister and ruined our relationship for a number of years…there were other dynamics involved, but part of sales is manipulation to get response you want…the sale! I have talked with others in sales whose personal convictions are in line with mine now…do not sell anything that you are not 100% sold on yourself
I have worked in sales – business development – acquisition/growth – whatever name is put on it doesn’t matter.
It is all about the customer/client.
It is all based on the relationship.
Most prospects don’t like to be pitched.
It is knowing and understanding the customer/client and how to solve their challenge(s).
I also go back to Simon Sinek’s TEDTalk when I need a reminder …..
“People buy because of WHY you do what you do – not WHAT you do what you do”
I want to work in sales in Dubai duty free , my communication skill is also good , and I have good experiance in hospitality sector , that infact makes me to think that I can do well in world of sales