It is often said that there is an “it" to sales. That is, great salespeople have a gene that others don’t. Okay, maybe it is true that Success in sales comes naturally to some and you are born with an ability that others do not possess. However, one critical trait is completely within your control to change and display: Confidence.
Chances are, however, that you are not confident by nature. Many of us aren’t for whatever reason. Oh, if only confidence came in pill form. I would buy a batch delivered to, amongst others, my oldest daughter. But, alas, confidence is a trait that you must attain and one that is hard to define, but I will give it a try...
Imagine if you knew a secret. Let’s say you knew tonight’s winning lottery numbers but could not under any circumstances tell anyone. Think about how you would feel. How you would carry yourself? Now you know what it feels like to be confident.
Side note: Let’s not overdo this lesson. Take confidence too far and you drifted into Arrogance. Don’t go there!
Okay, if you are like most people and confidence is a foreign language to you, here are a few pointers to help you fake it until you make it:
- Stand up straight.
- Shoulders back.
- Eyes bright.
- Put a slight smile on your face.
- Speak with a tone that exudes knowledge.
I love meeting people who believe in themselves. Whether it is deserved or completely imaginary (in the case of a group of street singers I walked by recently who were absolutely horrible but sang like they were the Temptations). They have confidence. It’s the ultimate aphrodisiac. It’s completely free. It’s completely within your control. And it might just earn you some sales.
Bill Farquharson is a vice president at NAPL. His training programs can drive the sales of print reps and selling owners. Check out his Sales Resources page and contact him at (781) 934-7036 or bfarquharson@napl.org.
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- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Bill Farquharson is a respected industry expert and highly sought after speaker known for his energetic and entertaining presentations. Bill engages his audiences with wit and wisdom earned as a 40-year print sales veteran while teaching new ideas for solving classic sales challenges. Email him at bill@salesvault.pro or call (781) 934-7036. Bill’s two books, The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever and Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How? as well as information on his new subscription-based website, The Sales Vault, are available at salesvault.pro.