On our very first day of class, we talked about words that describe typical salespeople. Obviously, I don’t know everything, but I do know that in the world of sales, success is often measured by more than just meeting a quota or closing the deal. It’s about building that relationship, creating the trust, and consistently delivering the best value to clients. But amidst the pressure to perform, I think it’s easy to fall into traps that can jeopardize long-term success, so I’m going to dive into what I think are the worst things you can do as a sales person.
1. Being dishonest
Integrity is the foundation of every successful sales career. Misleading (or manipulating) customers, exaggerating product capabilities, or making promises that can’t be kept might result in a quick sale, but inevitably the trust is broken and the reputation is damaged. In a world where the job is to move people, honesty and transparency are not just admirable qualities; they’re prerequisites for sustained success.
2. Neglecting relationships
Sales is as much about building meaningful connections as it is about closing deals. Failing to invest time and effort in nurturing relationships with clients can have bad consequences, to say the least. It’s not enough to focus solely on the sale; true success comes from understanding the clients’ needs, earning their trust, and becoming a partner in their buying journey.
3. Ignoring feedback
Feedback, whether from clients or colleagues, is one of the most valuable tools for growth and improvement. And yet, salespeople overlook or even dismiss feedback, fearing it will reflect badly on their abilities. In reality, feedback provides invaluable insights into areas for correction and opportunities for refinement. If feedback is embraced with an open mind, it can be used to identify the biggest areas for improvement, and leverage it as a catapult for growth.
4. Focusing on the sale
Like I mentioned earlier, closing deals is certainly important, but viewing every interaction as a possible sale is just plain careless. Sales success hinges on figuring out and solving problems, adding value, and building long-term relationships—not just on closing the deal. If you can learn to focus on helping the buyer get the best option, you will lay the foundation for more sustained success.
5. Lacking perseverance
You will hear a lot more no’s than yes’s. However, letting setbacks and failures deter you or undermine your confidence is probably the worst thing you can do. Success in sales requires persistence, resilience, and the ability to bounce back from rejection stronger than before. Instead of viewing rejection as a personal failure, remember that every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.”
If you can avoid these main areas as a salesperson, you will see infinite growth and lasting success. As we’ve learned, sales is more than sales; it’s about creating meaningful connections, delivering the best value, and ultimately, making a positive impact on the lives of your clients.
BoweryJE22