Being outgoing, loud, and sociable has long been the idea of how a good salesman should act. However, some of the best salespeople aren’t extroverted at all. They’re quiet but relatable, and their calm demeanor is inviting. There’s a trust that is felt but not seen or heard, and many quiet individuals can be some of the most effective salespeople in the world. There is no set way a salesperson should be, and that’s why I think everyone is a salesperson whether they realize it or not. In fact, I think everyone has been a salesperson since they were a child.
Everyone is a salesperson because everyone has to practice the art of persuasion throughout their lives. There’s no way to escape persuasion, and even situations without a product can require “selling” in some way, shape, or form. When we were little, getting mom to give us a cookie or a piece of candy was a selling moment, because it involved persuasion. When I auditioned for a role in my church’s Nativity play, I had to sell myself and the skills I had to gain a spot in the main cast. When I convinced my parents to buy a dog, I was selling the idea that our lives would be improved by the addition of a fluffy family member (I was right).
I think a big reason that selling feels so awkward for some people is because it’s usually selling to somebody that they don’t know. Most people are genuine and easygoing when they’re with friends, but if they’re shy it might be entirely different in a setting without anybody they know personally. There’s a fear of judgment, wondering if you’ll get it right, if the person will actually buy the product – when we really just need to relax and relate to the customer. Across the board, I can say with confidence that every salesperson I’ve ever liked was someone who felt real. They weren’t always loud. They weren’t always immediately sociable or outgoing. But they made the sales experience feel natural, instead of stiff, and I probably bought more stuff than I should have because of that. An effective salesperson is one who is able to make the customer feel understood – and we all have that power. Whether it’s through quiet listening or boisterous conversation, we all have different persuasion skills that can help us close that sale.
testacr22
You’re definitely right that selling to people we don’t know can feel awkward! Learning to understand your customer before you start to sell to them can be a great way to overcome this.
I have always thought of salesmen as extroverts. I have never thought that an introvert would make a good salesperson. Until learning all about introverts, ambiverts, and extroverts in this class, i was one minded and blind. It shows and explains all of the different businesses and how they run in the world.
I absolutely agree with you that the best salespeople are “real.” You feel comfortable talking with them, they genuinely relate to you, and do not intimidate you. I think that’s a big factor I’ve seen as a trend with salespeople I don’t like – they’re intimidating. Good post!