Question

In looking to hire a new salespersons what individual variables or experiences are most predictive of success in the sales role? PLEASE ANSWER IN PARAGRAPH FORM. THANK YOU!!

Answer 1

Sales is a highly demanding job and it plays a big role in the success of an organization. Therefore, it is imperative to select the right people for the job. There are certain characteristics that an individual need to possess to succeed in the sales profile:

• Communication skills – Probably the most important quality required to succeed in the Sales profile is networking skills. There is no way to avoid it. The entire sales process is centred around effective communication and negotiation skills. People who can talk their way in and out of any situation have great potential in succeeding in the sales profile.
• Listening skills- To close a deal, it is essential to understand the needs and demands of the client. The only way we can understand what a client desires, is by carefully listening and understanding his queries and pain points. Hence, while interacting with a client, a salesperson needs to talk less and listen more as this quality will go a long way in maintaining good relations with clients.
• Networking and Social skills – Sales is about making contacts and connections. Longevity in the field of sales depends on the individual’s ability to work with others. It is extremely beneficial for building powerful business references and relationships that can be helpful for a long time.
• Restraint – Restraint is a necessary quality for cracking sales deals. More often than not, impatience while dealing with a client makes the salesperson act pushy and force the product or service on the client. This is certainly not a desired attribute and the client certainly doesn’t approve of such a move. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the finer nuances of the deal and let it conclude in its own time.
• Compassion and Empathy – Empathy and compassion are necessary for connecting with the client. The best salespeople solve the problems of clients by imagining themselves in the shoes of the client. This enables the salesperson to help their clients in the best way possible. If a salesperson genuinely cares about the client then it will result in a loyal relationship that will last for a long time to come.
• Effective Planning – The end goal of a sales deal is to convince your client in such a way that he is ready to spend money on your word. Achieving this goal is no easy task. It requires a lot of planning and research coupled with impeccable execution. A successful salesperson plans and researches to the best of his ability before stepping in front of a potential customer.
• Target-oriented – Success in sales centres around your targets. The salesperson must always keep his goal in mind and chase it with utmost sincerity and dedication. He not only strives to achieve company targets but also the long-term goals that will help him rise as an individual as well as a professional.