Want To Be Better At Sales? Follow This Unconventional Trick
We’re all selling something. How do we make it less sales-y and more real?
“Personally, I think they taste like dirt, but the blueberry superfood bites are pretty popular.”
I overheard this anecdote from Cara Delevingne’s doppelganger at a health-focused smoothie and juice bar today, and I wanted to ask if she wanted to be best friends because of it. Why didn’t I ask?
My Point
The unconventional trick to being better at sales is to simply be yourself. If you want to be unstoppable at sales, you need to be the best possible version of yourself in a way that resonates with your customer.
If you think that’s vague — maybe even bullshit advice — there are useful brackets underneath the main tip of “Be Yourself” to adhere to. While being you is the key part in your sales game, you must be purposeful in your sale, all the while exuding wild, wonderful you.
Key word here: purposeful.
Are you a writer? You’re selling your stories. Are you a dog groomer? You’re selling your dog grooming skills. Are you an Instagram influencer? You’re selling your look.
The product doesn’t come before the seller. The seller comes before the product.
5 “Get The Sale” (Every Time) Brackets:
- To be better at sales, be nice. Sound obvious? Are you being “sales” nice, or are you being genuinely nice? When you smile, you increase the likelihood of getting the sale, no matter what you’re selling. If you’re selling something online that doesn’t show your face, people can feel whether you’re smiling on the other side of the screen or not. Make people feel good by being kind to them.
- To be better at sales, practice gratitude. Show appreciation for everyone involved in your business — yourself, your business partner, your employees, your clients, and whomever else is helping to move your business forward. Thank these people, tell them specifically why you appreciate them and their efforts, and do it often. Make your team feel good by letting them know they matter greatly.
- To be better at sales, be surprising. Did you see your client celebrating his/her birthday on social media? The next time you see them, have a birthday card and small gift (flowers, candy, houseplant) waiting for them. When you care about your clients, they care about you. And when they care about you, they care about supporting your business. Make your clients feel good by adding personal touches to your interactions.
- To be better at sales, be direct. The faster you get your point across, the better. The more you beat around the bush, the less people trust you. If you’re passionate about the product you’re selling, people will feel that honest, authentic-ness oozing out of you, and will be thankful — probably even relieved — that a business owner is giving it to them straight. Make potential customers feel good by being honest about your product and your business.
- To be better at sales, be consistent. This is the most important “get the sale” bracket. Brackets 1–4 don’t matter one bit unless you follow through on this one. Being consistent with your efforts of improving your business, gaining higher quality clients and attracting amazing opportunities comes to those who are consistent. Make yourself feel good by being intentional in uplifting your team members, helping your clients solve complicated problems, and showing up for your family, friends and business — every single day.
Bonus Tip
To be better at sales, be unforgettable. Think about the most intriguing person you know. What makes them so interesting? What makes them so charming and likable and fascinating?
It likely stems from a combination of winning personality and distinct look or style.
I know I will easily be remembered when I meet someone new — when I put in the extra effort — because I bring my charismatic A-game. I focus on how I can make a difference in their lives that will be both positive and lucrative. Also, my hair is platinum blonde, I wear bold, red lipstick and I have distinct facial features.
Physical appearances aside, the deal is sealed when — and only when — you have made an impression on someone’s heart. If you can give your client value that can’t be found anywhere else, they will keep coming back to you, they will refer you to other business prospects, and they will spread the good word about your company.
Conclusion
When it comes to conducting your business, do things out of the ordinary. Be bold. Take risks. And watch the people around you drop their jaws in astonishment. And then watch your sales numbers grow because of it.
Side note: All of these tips can be applied to anyone working any job — not just business owners running successful companies.
Key takeaway: Fulfillment — in your career, your relationships, your personal growth journeys — is only met with consistency.
Thanks for reading, and happy selling!
