Three Key Skills Of A Successful Salesperson

ChicExecs VP of Global Strategic Accounts, Lydia Vargo, shares the three key skills of a successful salesperson on Forbes blog.

Even if you were not born with the obvious “sales” traits, many can be cultivated with confidence and the right frame of mind.

Sales can be a tough gig, but it’s an exhilarating job that gives you a direct line to the customer. While some are natural-born salespeople, most of us have to develop our skills to continue being successful.

Everybody can improve their salesmanship. If you want to boost sales and learn to enjoy the sales process, cultivate these three skills.

1. Relating To People

Your prospects need to trust you before they become a customer. The problem is, according to Hubspot research, only 3% of people consider salespeople to be trustworthy. You have to find common ground with your prospect and relate to them on a human level.

2. Identifying A Need

Your business exists because it meets customers’ needs. Traditional sales assume too much about the customer, which is really off-putting. That’s why skilled salespeople identify the customer’s real need.

3. Instilling Trust

According to an Edelman report (via Marketing Charts), 82% of U.S. customers would stay with a brand they trust, even if another brand “becomes hot and trendy.” Good salespeople see the value of trust and start building it immediately with the customer.

Every touchpoint matters in the sales process. That means you need to:

• Focus on the value
• Watch your body language
• Empathize

The Bottom Line

Sales require a lot of hard work and a dash of natural talent. Even if you don’t feel like you’re a natural-born salesperson, that’s OK. Sales is about understanding other people. As long as you relate to others, understand their needs, and build trust with them … you can succeed.