1. I don’t like this job.
This one seems pretty basic! In any line of work, it’s important to make an effort to enjoy it, both for our ability to perform well and also for the sake of our own happiness. If it’s truly not your thing, look for other jobs if you can. But especially in sales, it’s important to have a good attitude going in.
2. I don’t think the prospects are going to like me.
Nobody is liked by everybody, but to assume you’re simply unlikable is counterproductive and untrue. Think about it as a potential connection, and if it doesn’t work, that’s just part of life.
3. I’m just not good at sales.
There isn’t a “sales gene.” Being good at sales is about honesty, a servant mindset, and critical thinking skills. And all of us can be that.
4. I’m bored.
It’s easy to feel bored if it seems like no big breaks or successes are coming in. But this is where patience becomes vital. A lot of people quit things prematurely because they mistake lag time for failure. Sometimes, it just takes more hours put in to see real results. Sometimes it takes more years. Feeling like nothing is happening is understandable, but also inaccurate in a lot of cases. Even if no big sales are coming in during a period, something is always happening (learning and improving your skills, for example).
5. I don’t like my prospects.
We all know, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” It’s super helpful to me to also think of that as a commandment to “Think of others as you would have others think of you.” We can all be difficult customers, but none of us like to think of ourselves that way. We always justify our extra questions or confusions or reservations, and we’d like to think that our sales representative is being equally as understanding of us. All of that is true for me at least. It just seems like the right thing to do to go into a sales conversation with a loving attitude. How can we serve if we don’t first love?
Everyone can be a salesperson, excuses can be a coping mechanism, but it is not right. Saying the wrong things and complaining to your customers will not get you the sale. Being confident in yourself and what you are selling will get you the sale.