There’s a wide variety of misconceptions about sales and what the job description entails. In today’s age, the word “sales” has somehow come about having a negative connotation. Let us dive in and address some of these things!
Salespeople are uneducated
“I’m Not Good at Sales”
Sales is Easy
Good Salespeople can Sell Anything
1. Salespeople are Uneducated
False.
To be in sales, knowledge is power! Whether that be about your products, services, your clients/ customers, or the background of your company – The key to good selling is knowledge and what to do with it.
How can you leverage your products / services to meet your customers needs?
How can you use data to justify a motion to purchase your products / services?
From top CEO’s around the world to entrepreneurs or sales representatives at your local bank – Their position wouldn’t be possible without the knowledge of problem solving within the business or how to effectively communicate their products and services.
2. “I’m Not Good at Sales”
False.
You convincing your professor to let you turn in an extra credit assignment past due date = Great sales
You convincing your husband to get a new dog = GREAT sales
No matter what, you are constantly selling who you are regardless if it is on social media, in person at your job, or when you’re out meeting new people at your own leisure.
Don’t underestimate your selling ability when you sell who you are each and everyday!
3. Sales is Easy
False.
No matter what field you’re in there is always some sort of client relationship being built. Regardless if it is Larry who comes in every Tuesday, or working a lead for months to gain their business – Building the relationship and trust is not always going to be considered easy.
It’s just like dating.
You don’t get married the moment you meet – do you?
4. Good Salespeople can Sell Anything
False.
A good salesperson can combat difficult questions, handle objections, and better understand their client or services – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can sell anything in order for them to be considered “good”.
A good salesperson will build trust that can be reciprocated from their client / customers. Although selling within a business can be beneficial, it doesn’t always mean there is a viable long term relationship – with long term client relationships and trust, you can gain compound interest and overall maintain a valuable company reputation.
Conclusion
Sales is primarily communicating authentically about your company and it’s about your self representation. It entails building trust (whether it be in six minutes or six months) and also being knowledgable about your product, services, and circumstances. Sales ultimately makes the world go round and is embedded into our everyday lives. What are your common misconceptions about sales? Let us know in the comments section!