Hi everyone, this newsletter is after a 2 weeks . I was sick for the last 10 days. I am feeling much better now. Thanks for all the wishes and messages . Some of my favorite readers of my newsletter have reached out to me to understand the how to up their sales game. I thought to put together my learnings on this topic this week.
Before we delve deeper into how to up the sales game, I would like to start with the basics. The building blocks of sales skills . We often confuse sales as communication and persuasion . Sales is not a single skill but a combination of various soft skills. Current sales jobs around the corporate world require much more than just persuasion from a salesperson . Probably because things are changing very very fast. Here is the list of different soft skills required to be a great salesperson.
1. Communication
Ability to articulate your point in a clear and concise manner
Using the right body language
Active listening
Understanding the learning style of the client
2. Relationship building
Ability to form a deep and long term connect with people
Open to interact with new people on diverse topics
Understanding the need of the client
Earning the trust of client
3. Negotiation
Ability to understand your value proposition v/s what the other side wants
Always trying and creating positive sum game
4. Persuasion
Understanding the pain points of the client
Identifying the right solution
Creating and communicating story to influence
5. Empathy
Understanding others perspective
Never being judgmental
6. Story telling
Ability to craft an engaging story
Communicate an effective story
7. Asking questions
Asking right set of questions at the right time
8. Emotional intelligence
Staying confident under stressful condition
Avoiding arguments and accusations
9. Persuasive writing
Concise written communication
Ability to persuade via writing
10. On the feet thinking
Ability to answer unprepared questions
Quick decision making
Would love to know about your experience and if I am missing anything over here. If you find value from this post , feel free to comment and share .