I recently began posting questions on LinkedIn and I have decided to share some of the opinions of the industry experts in our group...I hope you enjoy!
What Advice Would You Give A Young Sales Professional?
"Be coachable. Just like you are convinced that as a 20-something, newly entered into the workforce, that you know more than any 12 yr old on the planet, remember that those who have been doing the job for 10, 20, 40 years may have some pretty good ideas, too. And some of the things you're convinced are true, may not work. Come into it with true humility, because not only will you learn more, you'll be showing a tremendous leadership skill that will get you noticed. A lack of coachability is a standard complaint about those who are just entering the workforce. Don't reinforce the stereotype."
- Steve Gardner (Owner - Five Star Speakers)Steve's Company Website - Click HERE
"When you are green you will grow . . .when you are ripe you will rot. Your constant and consistent willingness to learn and fine-tune yourself on the basics of your selling process and products will always net the best result. And know that you are the one who can be counted on to deliver results. Both of these require discipline of your will and your schedule. Easy to type . . .not easy to do. But they will take you far."
- David Redabaugh (Direct Sales Manager @ Yellow Book USA)David's Company Website - Click HERE
"DON'T JUST FOCUS ON PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE (I am shouting this from the mountain top). Your "product" only excites you.
Understand Business. Learn to read a balance sheet, an annual or quarterly report. Delve into the industry you are selling to and understand that industry's language and specific business challenges.
If you are selling to Tyson - know "catch weight" if you are selling to KPMG understand the "global cost of pursuit". Anything else is just faking it and you will always be perceived as green. The earlier you become a business expert
Read CIO, CFO, CEO magazines (all available online). Read "how to think like a CEO". The fastest way to be perceived as an equal is to become one"
- Becky Guillory (President, Bungalow4sale; Principal at Kris and Company Sales Training & Consulting Toplinked.com)Becky's Company Website - Click Here
1 comment:
Hi,
Most of the time it is the behavior of the sales professional that matters most, whether it relates to the business set up by women entrepreneur or small business owner. People styling themselves as true professionals often lack the skill and behavior of a professional. High standard of ethics and integrity are the hallmarks of the true business professional. On the long run it is the consistent behavior and high ethical standards that matter the most for the customers who would always prefer such sales professional.
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