You may have an exceptional product that can improve
lives of many. You may provide a service that is second to none.
BUT …
if you don't have exceptional sales skills, you will lose out on many an opportunity to demonstrate or provide value to anyone.
The most important, yet least developed business skill in many small and home-based business owners is selling.
You may associate selling to undergoing a root canal because of bad experiences you have had with sales people.
Lack of effective sales skills is a major contributor to demise of a business.
The great thing to realize is that selling is a skill. It is not something you are born with. It is a skill that is learned and cultivated.
Do some people seem to be naturals at it? You bet! I am in awe of some people who seem to just learn a technique and after practicing it once, are off to races like they've been doing it for years.
For others, a little more practice and polishing may be required, but in end, they can be just as effective and successful as those who seem to have it mastered right out of gate.
A major block in selling is stereotype of salespeople. When I say, "Salesperson" to you. What immediately comes to mind?
Do you see a fast talker in a bad suit? Is this person arrogant and pushy? Does this person hear a word you're saying or does he/she speak over you? Does this person ignore your questions? Is this person a know-it-all? Will this person not take "No" for an answer? If you raise a concern will this person make you feel stupid?
I had first titled this article, "Key Secrets to Being a Great Salesperson," but recognized that just by using word, "Salesperson," fewer people would read article.
The negative or positive association of a word is powerful!
Although you are an entrepreneur, you are also a sales person. You are in business of selling a product or service to others.
