OT Learning suggestions....

[Phre0nBurn]

Hey guys... I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how i can better (well, develop) my sales skills. I have a great opportunity to sell a tangible product, but I've never done anything that involved sales, so I am a virgin to the idea.

I am pretty confident in myself and the product, so it isn't too much of an issue, but what I am concerned with is the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't know how to close a deal, let alone approach someone to try and strike up a deal.

I will be dealing with smaller companies, as in local car dealerships, trucking and construction companies, so nothing too major... I just need to learn the basics so I dont make a total ass of myself and screw myself here...

Any suggestions would be appreciated...

 

[Aequitas]

Well I would start by reading a book on the subject but that is not going to help you with the technical things, selling in person is more of how naturally you can come off, how comfortable you are talking to other people, I am a shy person by nature but when I was 19 I had a part time job as a salesman, I never did any sales previous to that job and surprisingly after my first customer I was no longer a shy person, I could easily make sales.

So what made me a good salesman?, Well I told myself to give it a shot and do my best, plus it helped out a large amount that I knew the product the customer was interested in, it was a PS2 at the time and he was trying to compare it with the XBox, I simply told him some technical specs and told him which one I owned, which one I used and how I felt this one was a better choice.

I don't know if that little story helped you out but the moral of it is learn about the product your selling, try to be a natural speaker (not pre-rehersed) and give it your best shot, whats the worst that could happen? They could say no, in which you'd just move on.

 

[skrilla]

The only way your going to get better at something is if you go out there and do it! Sure books, seminars, and audio courses can be helpful, but they dont teach the fundental aspect of timing and conversational skills. Get as much hands on experience as you can. Treat faliures as learning experiences and you will continue to develop and hone your skill.

 

[BeerHat]

I've been in sales for a while, the only thing people want to hear is what is in it for them. Show them what value it is to them.

You will get told no, you will feel small, and some days you'll want to outright kick someone's ass. Sales is not for the thin skinned.

Just go out and hit the street, it's not really something you can learn like programming.