4 SALES SKILLS YOU NEED TO ADVANCE IN YOUR CAREER (EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT IN SALES!)

If there is one common denominator in every job, it is selling. Whether you’re a doctor or an entrepreneur – you’re selling something, be it your service, skills, goods, and yes, even selling the idea of trusting in you to get the job done or convincing the client that your idea is the best.

This is why we say that sales skills are essential skills everyone needs to be more successful. Because at some point in your career, even if you’re not in sales – you’re going to have to sell something and you want to be able to sell it well. So here are four strategies on how you can hone in on those sales skills to your advantage.

#1 Know your product well
Every salesman knows the ins and outs of the product he is selling. Now, put yourself in those same shoes – if you’re “selling” something to your client or your boss whether it is your capabilities or idea, you’ll need to be confident about it. More importantly, you need to convey what makes your “product” the best which means you need to be detailed about what it is you’re trying to convince others about and have all the answers ready for whatever doubt that arises. For example, if you’re trying to sell to your boss the idea that you’re the best person for the project, you’ll need to back it up with proof that you really have what it takes to get the job done well. You need to be ultra-familiar with the product, which in this case are your capabilities and skills.

#2 Build on your communication skills
The one thing in common with all great salespeople? The gift of the gab. They say if you can sell ice to an Eskimo, you can basically sell anything. And to be able to sell that block of ice, you’ll need to express yourself clearly, communicating and convincing your customer why he or she needs that block of ice (even if they clearly don’t!). Now, imagine if you had the same skills – both orally and in writing – you’ll be able to sell any idea to your clients or bosses when you can express the concept seamlessly and in an easy way to understand that there’s no doubt at all. You’ll ace your presentations and proposals because you have the skills to express ideas and solutions in ways everyone can understand as well as agree with.

#3 Creating rapport
The first decision every customer makes is whether they want to do business with a particular person. Now, in your situation as a non-salesperson, it will be the other person trying to decide if they want to work with you and how well that partnership will be. Whether it is your client or a colleague, having good rapport will ensure the success of the project. To create rapport, you’ll need to be personable and relatable (not fake!). You’ll need to be humble but at the same time convey confidence. You want the other party to know that they will be in good hands when in collaboration with you and not cast doubt on whether they can trust you or not.

#4 Listen actively
A good salesperson listens well – that’s why he knows exactly what the client wants and how to give it to them! In the office, it will work in your advantage if you pay attention to what the other party is saying instead of coming up with your own conclusions. Active listening doesn’t just involve being quiet while the other person is talking. It is also about keeping your mind open to think up of ways that can truly be of service whether it is coming up with an idea for a current work challenge or changing how you work to better fit the project profile. The first step is to understand what’s truly needed and in order to get here, you’ll need to pay attention to what’s being said.

BONUS TIP
Learn to build relationships!
Building lifelong relationships, rather than focusing solely on short-term sales, is the cornerstone of success for exceptional salespeople who strive for long-lasting service excellence. And you should too! Learn what it takes to get people on board with you at the office to foster a supportive and thriving office dynamic that will prove invaluable when you are seeking assistance, support, or collaboration. You don’t want others to turn the other way when you need help. Instead, you want allies who eagerly rally behind your ideas and aspirations.

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash.