What is a sales person to you? In your mind what do salespeople do to get business?
Is your image of a salesperson similar to a stereo-typed used car salesperson?
Do you see a salesperson as a slime-ball who doesn’t mind lying to get business? Will do anything to get the business?
For some people this is the reason they won’t do sales! Where are your thoughts – are they helping you or hindering?
If this kind of image is getting in your way. I would recommend reading the ‘One minute salesperson’ which should help you get things straight and get drumming up business. It quickly gives insight into the attitude and skills needed to make sales by treating potential clients as people and not fools.
Everyone of us has some sales skill. Ever got a job? Ever been on a date, got engaged, got married? All the time we sell?
You are not sleazy, dishonest or using tricks in those transactions. So you don’t need to be anything but yourself and work honestly to gain new business.
Anytime I work with a client first I listen to their problem, then think, then offer a solution or recommend a course of action with another company if need be.
I am always looking to offer a potential solution with a price tag rather than "make a sale". I would rather walk away from the wrong type of business but help find a next step for my clients rather than take everything i get offered. That way I become a first resource to consult and get more of the right work.
Don’t let your mental image of salespeople stop you gaining new business.
