What is the Greatest Strength You Can Have as a Salesperson?
Let’s play a quick game.
It’s called “word association”, and it’s pretty simple. I say a word, and you blurt out the first word that pops up in your mind. Are you ready? The word is
… salesperson.
What were some words that your mind unconsciously associated with the word “salesperson?”
Motivation? Selling? Talkative?
Think about the first word you thought of and why it was at the forefront of your brain.
One reason may be popular culture. We are bombarded with characters who portray salespeople in movies, television shows, and pictures, and all these images influence how individuals and society see people in the sales profession.
Sure, there are some negative portrayals of salespeople. You’ve probably seen the cunning, slick-haired salesman with a mysterious suitcase wearing a cheap suit cheating a trusting family out of their entire life savings character.
Cue dramatic eye roll.
Bad apples can be found in all professions. For example, there are corrupt police or evil scientists in films, but we don’t believe that all police or scientists are bad; we maintain the belief that those people and their services help more than harm.
The same applies to the sales profession.
In fact, we cannot help but admire salespeople. They possess unique talents, never-ending charisma, and infectious energy not typically found in other fields.
It’s safe to say that salespeople possess a wide variety of strengths and capabilities.
But which strength is the most important? Are these strengths applicable to today’s market? Can these qualities be developed through sales courses, or are certain people just born to be great?
We have the answers! At Dynamo Selling, we specialise in sales courses that develop the “person” in “salesperson.” Give us a quick ring or shoot us a short message!
Can strengths be taught to a salesperson?
What would you say is your greatest strength?
Do you believe that you were simply born with it, or did you have to work hard to acquire it?
There is an ongoing debate happening in the sales world about whether successful salespeople are born or made.
According to the Harvard Business Review, an estimated 70% of salespeople are born with “natural” instincts that translate into huge success compared to 30% of self-taught top performers.
However, research published in the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing found no link between a salesperson’s “biologically based traits” and career. Rather, they emphasise candidates who possess the “right” traits。
Whether you’re a salesperson, sales leader, or business owner, there is a list of traits and strengths that you believe all salespeople should have.
These strengths are crucial because they directly impact your company’s:
- Revenue
- Growth
- Brand
- Market share
After years of experience in the industry, we have created a series of engaging, research-based sales courses designed to deliver results. Help your team realise their potential and grow all aspects of your business. Contact us today!
Now, let’s look at the top twenty traits and strengths that each salesperson should have.
Top 20 Strengths a Salesperson Needs to Succeed
1. Time management.
We can all agree that deadlines aren’t our favourite aspect of the job, but they are a necessary evil. Excellent time management has become an important skill for a salesperson to meet all deadlines and avoid procrastination. Plus, if you keep your leads waiting, you’ll miss out on valuable sales opportunities.
2. Organisation.
Have you ever been around a person whose brain seems to be in disarray? Papers everywhere, dishevelled clothing, messy hair. Being organised physically and mentally are strengths that will make your professional life much easier as a salesperson.
3. Negotiation skills.
Salespeople often walk a fine line between accommodating clients and maintaining the best interest of the business. A strong negotiator closes sales by presenting an answer that benefits both parties so that everyone leaves the table happy.
4. Creativity.
We often envision artists and writers when we think of the word “creative”, not salespeople. A successful salesperson must be creative in seeing and thinking about a product, problem, or prospect. They are also creative when it comes to building relationships, proposing solutions, and helping the team.
5. Storytelling.
According to the Heath brothers, 63% of people recall a story compared to 5% who remember statistics. Master salespeople tell stories that resonate with their audience. When people can relate to you, they begin to trust you and desire a relationship with you. All of those elements are key ingredients to transforming a hesitant prospect into a loyal customer.
6. Listening.
Do you know the difference between hearing and listening? Active listening requires a salesperson to give their full attention to the other person’s verbal and nonverbal communication. Exemplary salespeople can gain a client by actively listening to and fully understanding their needs.
7. Productive.
Productive salespeople are highly desired and sought after; it’s considered a major strength because it points to a person’s potential and motivation to succeed. Moreover, a productive salesperson has steadfast numbers because they embrace hard work.
8. Competitive.
We aren’t talking about being cut-throat here. Rather, competitiveness refers to going above what is required to please a client and stand out from the rest. A salesperson who is fine with staying on the sidelines will never win anything. After all, there aren’t any medals for mediocre.
9. Tech-savvy.
Nothing beats an old-fashioned handshake, but the days of knocking on people’s doors with a smile and suitcase are over. The sales landscape has become saturated with CRMs, AI, SEOs, automation programs, and social media. Today, navigating different forms of technology has become a vital skill for productive salespeople to have.
10. Adaptability.
One strength worth bragging about is being able to quickly adapt to different environments and conditions with ease. Would you consider yourself to be a social chameleon? Are you able to effectively mirror a client and make them like you? Is flexibility your strong suit? These are essential capabilities for today’s market.
11. Confidence.
A confident salesperson is convincing, and a convincing salesperson can make a sale in a blink of an eye. Confidence is a strength for multiple reasons, but the most important is how it makes a person feel. When you feel confident, you feel invincible and secure; nothing can stop you.
12. Client-centric.
Do you believe that customers are your world? Well, you’re wrong. Customers are the sun that you revolve around. They keep you warm and alive (quite literally because they pay the electric bill to keep your heat on). Elite salespeople are well aware of the importance of gaining and retaining clients, so they treat them with the respect they deserve.
13. Team player.
A salesperson is often assumed to be a lone wolf. While this may be true in some situations, most companies have a team of salespeople working together. Knowing how to work well with different personalities in the same environment is a definitely considered strength.
14. Accountable.
Have you ever met someone who refused to take responsibility for their mishaps? They point the finger at others or blame bad luck. Leaders and clients aren’t interested in excuses; that’s why accountability is considered a strong asset. An accountable salesperson acknowledges and learns from their mistakes to prevent any future occurrences.
15. Communication.
From giving clear and correct information using various channels to interpreting body language, strong communication skills are a must-have for any salesperson worth their salt. Without it, conflicts, loss of profits, and failure are imminent.
16. Emotional Intelligence.
Otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ, emotional intelligence is a key capability in today’s sales industry. A salesperson with a high EQ is able to empathise and deeply understand clients and coworkers. Therefore, they convert leads into customers and forge lasting relationships with almost everyone they come across.
17. Driven.
Drive & determination will start up your engine and give you fuel to zoom towards your goals. Possessing a healthy dose of drive and determination results in profits, pleased clientele, and countless opportunities. Without drive, a salesperson will go nowhere.
18. Goal-oriented.
One of the most important qualities a salesperson can have is articulating a clear goal and developing a plan to reach the goal. High achievers set ambitious, challenging, and realistic goals, and more often than not, they hit their target.
19. Passionate.
Can you recall a teacher or coach in your past that was truly passionate about their trade? How did they make you feel? You felt inspired, invigorated, and moved, but above all, you bought what they were selling you. They believed in their message, and so did you. A strong salesperson exudes passion when talking about their product or service.
20. Ethical.
This is hands-down the most important strength a salesperson can have. Being ethical means operating with honesty, integrity, and authenticity at all times. True salespeople never do anything to tarnish their brand or reputation. Don’t join the ranks of the corrupt cops and mad scientists that wreak havoc on the country!
Did you see yourself in this list? If not, don’t worry!
Prospects and businesses will prioritise a salesperson who can provide a human connection based on good intentions above all else.
Besides, any strength can be developed with the right training. We offer dynamic sales courses which are sure to exceed your expectations. We welcome all inquiries!
Strengthen Your Sales Skills
Are you ready to flex those sales muscles?
Let us help your team develop their unique strengths and remedy any weaknesses. We have a wide array of sales courses that will take your business to the next level. To grow and increase your revenue, get in touch with us today!
