Why Soft Skills Matter in Sales

Pink says that being an ambivert gives you an advantage as sales person. Ambiverts have the best qualities of both extroverts and introverts– they know when to speak up and when to shut up.

All through high school and into college, I was told that success isn’t just about what you know but also about who you know. I took this to heart, focusing on doing my best rather than solely chasing the highest grades. Oftentimes, my best did result in high grades, but as long as I knew had given it my all, I never stressed about achieving perfection. Sometimes, my best didn’t always mean getting the highest grades because other priorities took precedence– whether it was helping my family, juggling a few odd jobs, spending time with friends, or taking a Sabbath.

In college, I’ve found this to be even more true. While I work hard in my classes, I also recognize that life isn’t just about grades– relationships matter just as much, if not more. People skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with others play a crucial role in opportunities that come your way.

I once read that 80% of jobs are secured through referrals. That statistic stuck with me because it highlights something essential: technical skills alone aren’t enough. More often than not, what sets people apart isn’t just their resume– it’s their ability to build relationships, think critically, and be someone others enjoy working with.

This isn’t to say that technical skills don’t matter (sorry, but you should still study for that exam– I’m talking to myself- I have three this week). You can be incredibly likeable, but if you don’t know how to manage your time, think critically, reason through problems, and persuade others, it won’t take you far– at the end of the day, you still have to get the job done. While being personable can open doors, especially when you’re young, it’s not enough on its own. I know people who have landed internships simply because they were enjoyable to be around, but long-term success comes from producing results. The most effective salespeople- and professionals in general- are those who combine strong soft skills with the ability to perform and add value.