Super salesman/women
Discussion
sales people are a bit of a 'hobby' of mine: what makes a good one etc.
I have this theory about the 8 things a super sales man/woman needs in varrying degrees dependant upon what they sell, to whom and under which circumstances. This autumn I shall be testing it online but in the meantime a call to the PH massive:
Before I bore you all to death with my views and enter into informed debate, therefater descending into ridicule and abuse what do the PH sales people/sales managers/sales directors/big time customers and business owners think? Are there things you have to have in your make-up for certain types of sales jobs?
I have this theory about the 8 things a super sales man/woman needs in varrying degrees dependant upon what they sell, to whom and under which circumstances. This autumn I shall be testing it online but in the meantime a call to the PH massive:
Before I bore you all to death with my views and enter into informed debate, therefater descending into ridicule and abuse what do the PH sales people/sales managers/sales directors/big time customers and business owners think? Are there things you have to have in your make-up for certain types of sales jobs?
Salesman
In no particular order
1) A personality/Character
2) Product Knowledge
3) Ability to think and work out things off the hoof/cuff quickly
4) Be presentable
5) Carry presence in a conversation/meeting
6) Quick assesor of situations
7) Slight arrogance/belief in what you are doing/selling
8) Build Rapport with you victim (i mean client)
The selling bits easy, getting the above mix right is harder...
Saleswoman.
1) Great Tits
Joke
In no particular order
1) A personality/Character
2) Product Knowledge
3) Ability to think and work out things off the hoof/cuff quickly
4) Be presentable
5) Carry presence in a conversation/meeting
6) Quick assesor of situations
7) Slight arrogance/belief in what you are doing/selling
8) Build Rapport with you victim (i mean client)
The selling bits easy, getting the above mix right is harder...
Saleswoman.
1) Great Tits
Joke

Hughesie2 said:
Salesman
In no particular order
1) A personality/Character
2) Product Knowledge
3) Ability to think and work out things off the hoof/cuff quickly
4) Be presentable
5) Carry presence in a conversation/meeting
6) Quick assesor of situations
7) Slight arrogance/belief in what you are doing/selling
8) Build Rapport with you victim (i mean client)
The selling bits easy, getting the above mix right is harder...
As a salesman, thats pretty accurate. I'd put bigger emphasis on nos. 1 and 8 though. Become their mate and they'll call you first every time.
Currently I am a sales manager for three sales people and I must admit that they are some of the most professional people I have met. i have worked with sales people in the past who have earned in the millions per year (it does happen by the way!) but the current bunch I am managing are actually really good.
On top of the previous posts, I would say the following in addition (key to the market that I am in!):
1) Ability to cold call
2) Willing to admit when they have got it wrong
3) Able to ask for help when required
4) Skills to identify the problem and fit the solution
5) Desire to see customer through thick and thin....
All this helps and aids in the delivery and they are certainly doing the "right" thing..... Seen in the 200% growth in new business quarter on quarter....
On top of the previous posts, I would say the following in addition (key to the market that I am in!):
1) Ability to cold call
2) Willing to admit when they have got it wrong
3) Able to ask for help when required
4) Skills to identify the problem and fit the solution
5) Desire to see customer through thick and thin....
All this helps and aids in the delivery and they are certainly doing the "right" thing..... Seen in the 200% growth in new business quarter on quarter....

- To be able to apply just the right amount of closing pressure to cap the deal, without making the victim feel pressured, which as we know can lead to the client bolting.
- That and the ability to make the client think that buying your product was their really great idea, even though it had never occured to them until you called/ met them.
- To be able to talk to the client in such a way that they forget that you are the salesman.
- Oh and a huge dose of cheekyness doesn't go amis.
- That and the ability to make the client think that buying your product was their really great idea, even though it had never occured to them until you called/ met them.
- To be able to talk to the client in such a way that they forget that you are the salesman.
- Oh and a huge dose of cheekyness doesn't go amis.

up-the-dubs said:
Hughesie2 said:
Salesman
In no particular order
1) A personality/Character
2) Product Knowledge
3) Ability to think and work out things off the hoof/cuff quickly
4) Be presentable
5) Carry presence in a conversation/meeting
6) Quick assesor of situations
7) Slight arrogance/belief in what you are doing/selling
8) Build Rapport with you victim (i mean client)
The selling bits easy, getting the above mix right is harder...
As a salesman, thats pretty accurate. I'd put bigger emphasis on nos. 1 and 8 though. Become their mate and they'll call you first every time.
I too sell for a living and I have to concur with the above, especially regarding becoming their friend, but you must never be too pushy, I hate a pushy salesman, it is a fine balance
chippy17 said:
I too sell for a living and I have to concur with the above, especially regarding becoming their friend, but you must never be too pushy, I hate a pushy salesman, it is a fine balance
I sell for a living too, have done for the past 10 years i guess, before that i owned a pub, also selling but a different sell.
I am the salesmans worst nightmare, especially in shops, car showrooms or the high street...
If someone can engage me in that first few seconds, they've got me...
My Mrs hates shopping with me...
chippy17 said:
up-the-dubs said:
Hughesie2 said:
Salesman
In no particular order
1) A personality/Character
2) Product Knowledge
3) Ability to think and work out things off the hoof/cuff quickly
4) Be presentable
5) Carry presence in a conversation/meeting
6) Quick assesor of situations
7) Slight arrogance/belief in what you are doing/selling
8) Build Rapport with you victim (i mean client)
The selling bits easy, getting the above mix right is harder...
As a salesman, thats pretty accurate. I'd put bigger emphasis on nos. 1 and 8 though. Become their mate and they'll call you first every time.
I too sell for a living and I have to concur with the above, especially regarding becoming their friend, but you must never be too pushy, I hate a pushy salesman, it is a fine balance
I agree, I hate being "pounced on", so never do it myself. I sell loads, because people never realise I'm actually selling, they think I'm just talking them through their ideas.
off_again said:
1) Ability to cold call
I had two guys from the same double glazing firm ring me today on my work number
They couldnt understand why I would want my windows bomb skinned
I then mentioned the Telephone Preference Service and they quickly got the message.
No offence but I hate cold calling. If I want something ill find a company not the other way round
Took my wife and son to a well known car showroom in Rochdale, who like to make it "nice and easy" according to the TV ads...........
I was interested in a small first car for my son, I had no intention of buying from there, unless something really caught my eye, really we were just browsing.....
No sooner had we walked through the entrance door when we were "pounced upon" by some eager young sales "executive" who literally stood in our way barring our passage.....
After Mrs. WR gave him a flea in his ear...
he reluctantly moved aside, and then said "Well, have a look round for a bit, and then i'll come over and touch base with you"...........ffs!! Why can't these morons speak in English...
I was interested in a small first car for my son, I had no intention of buying from there, unless something really caught my eye, really we were just browsing.....
No sooner had we walked through the entrance door when we were "pounced upon" by some eager young sales "executive" who literally stood in our way barring our passage.....
After Mrs. WR gave him a flea in his ear...
he reluctantly moved aside, and then said "Well, have a look round for a bit, and then i'll come over and touch base with you"...........ffs!! Why can't these morons speak in English...
cotty said:
off_again said:
1) Ability to cold call
I had two guys from the same double glazing firm ring me today on my work number![]()
They couldnt understand why I would want my windows bomb skinned![]()
I then mentioned the Telephone Preference Service and they quickly got the message.
No offence but I hate cold calling. If I want something ill find a company not the other way round
The business I'm in prohibits cold calling.
But a sales person must be able to generate his/her own leads.
Must also be assertive, persuasive, affable and genuine.
Also accountability repeatedly gets me business, both in this job and the last. That means doing something when you said you are going to do it.
How many times have you been left waiting for a call that comes a day late? Annoying isn't it?
It's not difficult, but it is hard work

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