Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Working In Professional Sales

By Chris West

Sales will give you many rewards for your professional career. Many people think that they would not be able to do well in sales because they are too shy. They believe that effective sales people are outgoing and forward. It isn't necessarily true that a good sales person is assertive, polite, and honest, but you do not have to be overly forward to be an effective sales person. One of the things that is the most helpful to a sales person is a belief in the product that they are selling.

Professional sales people are knowledgeable about their product or products. Knowledge will increase your motivation and self-assurance. You need to be able to answer any question a consumer has. If you do not know an answer, tell the consumer you will find it out quickly and get right back to him or her.

You might want to advertise to a specific group or to a general audience. You need to develop your sales pitch. There will always be a "Doubting Thomas" or some one that likes being the "devil's advocate". They ask ridiculous questions and seem to want to have a debate with you. Be polite and courteous but if the conversation is condescending and is not going anywhere, excuse your self.

Professional sales people get to know the consumer, they are friendly. The more you know about the buyer the better chance you will have a successful sale. Ask the consumer what they are looking for in a product. This is called asking probing questions. If you are genuine and friendly the consumer will not feel like you are too personal.

If you are working as a professional sales person, you should know who your competition is as well. Your competition's product should be as well known to you as your own. It is with this information that you will be able to show your customers what your product can do for them that the competitor's product can not.

A professional sales person knows how to manage their time. For instance, do not waste too much of your time with someone who is not really interested. Identify obstacles that waste your time. Learn time management techniques such as list making. Structure your time. Spend a certain amount of time with each prospect, if they are buying, spend a little more time, if not, move on.

Professional sales people have a good marketing plan. They have strategized and know who their prospects are. Do some research to determine if there is a demand for your product on the market. If you are using Internet marketing use eye catching, proactive web site techniques.

A successful professional sales person has a good attitude, motivates people and gets things done. This person makes him or her self invaluable to their employer. Professional sales people have a strategy and they execute their plan.

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