5 Secrets Of Successful Sales People

Throughout my career in entrepreneurship, starting first in the network marketing space and landing in insurance sales, there was a common theme among people who wanted to take the leap, but didn’t… and it was this:

They didn’t want to be in sales. They didn’t think they could be a “sales person”.

While there appears to be a stigma behind being a “salesman” or “saleswoman”, when you break it down, the reality is that everyone is selling something at any given time.

Could be something we typically think of when we hear “sales” — cars, products, or a service.

But really, we are all selling something — our time, energy, knowledge, expertise, ourselves — and most often, for those who don’t want to be labeled as “salesman” or “saleswoman”, what is being “sold” is free of charge.

Here’s the thing… regardless of what we are selling, there are 5 core truths and practices (or not-so-secret secrets) I’ve found throughout my journey that make for a successful sales person.

Let’s take a walk through these…

1. Selling is a Service: Top sales people view selling as something they provide for their clients. You find out what someone needs, and then you provide the solution to satisfy that need. That’s it. Don’t overcomplicate it.
2. Listen Up: More sales are made on the basis of listening than on speaking. Identifying a client’s need can only be accomplished by asking questions, and then essentially, shutting up. Remember, when you are speaking, you are giving out information; but when you’re listening, you are receiving information.
3. Build Trust: You can effectively do this in two ways. First, ask questions about them (see point 2 above for more on this). Second, tell them something about you. When you make yourself relatable and honest, you earn the trust and respect of those you are talking to — in this case, your client. People buy from those they trust.
4. Be Prepared: Know your product and your industry. Not only does preparation and knowledge build confidence within yourself, but it increases your credibility, too. Increasing credibility reduces sales pressure.
5. Work, Work, Work: Have passion and enthusiasm for what you do.

It may seem simple, maybe even a little redundant from what you’ve heard before, but here’s the kicker — these fundamentals are so simple, that not everyone will do it.

So, I challenge you to commit to the fundamentals.

I’ll leave you with this…

The great Napoleon Hill once said, “The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance will rise to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help.”

Success is simple; it’s not that deep.

You can do this.

Until next time,
GP