A Guide to Embracing Your Inner Salesperson

“I don’t want to be too salesy,” is a refrain often heard from small business owners and entrepreneurs, a sentiment I’ve echoed myself. We tread lightly on the sales pitch, yet find ourselves frustrated with limited business growth and revenue. While nobody enjoys a pushy salesperson, it’s equally unappealing when someone lacks faith in their own product or service. Too often, we use the “I don’t want to be too salesy” excuse as a shield, avoiding selling altogether.

The reality is, if you’re in business, you have to sell.

However, there’s a middle ground. You don’t have to be salesy, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that running a successful business means selling your product or service, whether it feels comfortable
or not.

Here are 11 tips to help you embrace your role
as a thoughtful salesperson

1. Greet with a Smile

The first 120 seconds are crucial. A warm smile makes you approachable, even over the phone. Your smile reflects both you and your company, leaving a positive impression. When interacting remotely, ensure your words convey positivity and gratitude, such as “Thank you for reaching out, I appreciate your time.”

2. Offer Sincere Compliments

A genuine compliment breaks the ice and makes a person feel valued. Whether in-person or online, a thoughtful compliment can go a long way.

3. Find Common Ground

Look for shared interests or experiences to establish a connection. Even in online interactions, researching their social media or website can reveal commonalities.

4. Ask Questions

Engage with open-ended questions to understand their needs and challenges. Start with prompts like “What brings you here today?” or “How can I assist you?”

5. Listen Actively

Listening is paramount. Understand their pain points before offering solutions. A red dress won’t do if they’re looking for blue!

6. Share Relatable Stories

Illustrate how your product/service addresses their needs with authentic stories. For example, “My son struggled with eczema until we tried this product…”

7. Become an Expert

Know your offering inside out. Whether it’s dresses or software, be the go-to authority in your field. Customers trust experts.

8. Show Enthusiasm

Let your passion shine through. Enthusiasm is contagious and makes your pitch more compelling.

9. Speak Confidently

Avoid filler words and speak with conviction. Confidence instills trust in your clients.

10. Always Have Business Cards

Be prepared. A business card can solidify a connection when exchanging contact information.

11. Engage Continuously

Follow up with clients to nurture the relationship. Remember, it often takes multiple touchpoints for a sale to materialize.

In conclusion, being salesy isn’t about pressure tactics or insincerity. It’s about fostering genuine connections with customers, offering solutions to their problems, and having confidence in what you provide.

So, embrace your inner salesperson with authenticity and enthusiasm. Building relationships and solving problems are at the heart of successful salesmanship.