At some point in your career, even if you’re not a salesperson, you’re going to have to sell something — whether it’s your idea, your team, or yourself. So how can you improve your sales skills, especially if you don’t pitch people often? What should you focus on first? And what should you do if you lose a sale?
How to Improve Your Sales Skills, Even If You’re Not a Salesperson
Listen more than you talk.
May 22, 2017
Summary.
At some point in your career, even if you’re not in sales, you’re going to have to sell something — whether it’s your idea, your team, or yourself. Here are some strategies for improving your sales skills. Do your homework. Put yourself in the shoes of your customer. Ask: What business problem does he need solved? Plan and practice. Enlist a trusted colleague to role-play a sales call with you. Ask for feedback and advice on how can you improve your pitch. Listen more than you talk. And don’t let your ego get in the way. Focus on how you can help your prospective customer. Close the deal. At the end of the meeting, ask permission to move forward with the customer by saying: Are you ready to take the next step? Think long term. Sales is rarely a one and done deal. Stay in touch with prospective customers.