How do I become and excellent sales person?
452848
You will probably get lots of different answers, but my opinion on what makes a good sales person is this:\n\n1) product knowledge - yours and your competitors! You have to know how to position your product and respond to any objections to be able to effectively offer your product as a solution to meet the buyers need.\n\n2) develop a relationship built upon trust, honesty, integrity - your competitor may do the "hard sell" but developing an honest relationship will lead to word of mouth referrals and customers for life! Get to know the individual, their office staff (gate keepers), their business, their competition, their market space so that you can position your product to completely meet their needs.\n\n3) once you have developed a relationship and you know your product is the right solution, ask for the business. Customers expect it and if you have responded to any objections, developed an honest relationship, then you should be in a nice position to close the deal.\n\n4) for customer that provide on-going sales - thank them for the business. Let me know how important they are and that you value them as a customer. Ask them to recommend your product to colleagues.\n\nGood luck!
400021
Marketing.  If you want to sell, learn to sell.  You can get all the training you need from the manufacturer.  As a representative, you need to know how to market the product.  Ask a rep and see what they say.
405084
Your best bet is anything related to sales.  Sales is the workhorse of business.  Salespeople are also compensated by results, and that can result in personal satisfaction.  Try to get a job that has a base salary plus commission, though, if you are just starting out.  And look for opportunities with lots of training and support.  Then, continue to seek out training through seminars, books, audiotapes, etc.\n\nI don't think anyone ever said, "when I grow up I want to be a salesman," but you know, the astronaut corps is harder to break into, and a business degree won't help you in outerspace.  The education you gained at business school will help make you a better sales person.
219050
If you want to combine your sales and stay involved in the education system take a look around your school.  What does a school buy that you could combine your experience into a great opportunity?  Art Supplies, Gym Equipment, Text Books etc.\n\nYou can combine both skills but step away from the educational system by working towards a trainer for a local company.  Most companies have some sort of training that must be done done through out the year like sales training, diversity training, or even the new sarbanes-oxley rules.  consulting firms exist that do nothing but go onsite to provide training for companies.\n\nIf you are looking to step out into something totaly different you need to sit down and list your skills.  To be a teacher you have to be organized and have to have the ability to plan ahead etc.  Once you have done this pop on to the internet and type the skill into search words on sites like monster and career builder.  Many jobs will pop up...don't worry too much about what you don't have right now.  Write down the jobs that peak your interest and then take a look at the requirements for each job.  Be honest with yourself with what you don't have.  Write those down and then look for ways to get that expereience. \n\nIf you want to make a career switch it will take time and some dedication on your part but it can be done.\n\nGood luck!
639319
I love this question!\n\n1) Be honest\n2) Work hard for your clients, no matter who they are or what they are buying\n3) Never let money spoil you, people are number one, money is farther down the list.\n4) Build a great reputation by following 1-3 and you will be a successful agent and a happy camper!\n\nGood luck in your career.
1062027
It depends on exactly what kind of sales it is, but I think that the best thing to do is communicate with HR the specific criteria of the individuals you are looking for.  Such As:\n\nEducation\nExperience - With quantifiable results (If they had a quota what percentage did they hit.)\nBusiness References\n\nIt is also important that the HR department communicates what you expect as well to the prospective employee.  You don't want to get someone who is qualified, but on down the road they find out that what you are offering is not what they are looking for.  Time is then wasted for both of you.\n\nIf you are not directly recruiting there is only so much that HR can do to screen the candidates.  Someone can look great on paper, but be useless in reality.  Especially in sales.  However, if you are specific in your needs and direct in your expectations then you should be starting off on the right foot.
6683
Every successful business person is a salesperson.  The skills are essential.  But very few colleges and universities have any classes for general sales ability.  I think this probably makes it a "less acceptable" career path in many people's opinions.  \n\nSales is the fundamental currency of business skill.
395512
Sales is hard enough without the comments and backseat driving of someone not being supportive.  You need to let your friends and family off the hook, though-- you need to expand your market beyond them so they don't dodge you out of fear of a sales pitch.\n\nTry doing some simple posters about the product line, or feature one product like a good sunscreen or wrinkle cream and make a cheapo flyer, hang it up at apartment complexes (bulletin boards often by the mailboxes or in the laundry rooms), daycare centers, coffee shops, laundry mats, etc.  you get the idea.    Good luck, building a clientele takes time and effort, it doesn't happen overnight.
1030756
most car sales people know little about cars. the information, specs, how they drive all comes later. what you need is the sales ability. remember they're car salesman, they want to be impressed and swept off their feet. so if you get an interview, do that. you have a gift for sales then show it. They know car info is just that. you can read the brochures and such and learn what you need to know about a particular model. if you have the sales exp, show them you can step up and sell. you can start by selling yourself to them.
1089445
Work your tail off. Do the stuff that others won't do cause they are "too good for that". Take calculated risks and gambles. Develop a passion about something and know it inside and out. Make yourself the expert in an area. Never hesitate to help someone else and make sure everyone you know knows exactly what your business is so that they might either use you or recommend someone to use you. Think outside the box. Travel and get out of your usual environment to give yourself better perspective. Eat drink and sleep whatever the passion is...
1008795
I hope you have an extremely good personality.  In advertising it's all about selling - and to do that you have to have what it takes to get people to talk to you.  Your personality will be what makes you or breaks you.\n\nWhen people are comfortable talking to you, and you are listening to what they want and need - you will be able to asses that customers situation and develop a program or product that will benefit them, you and the company you are working for.  \n\ngood luck with the position!
563924
You are either a salesman or you are not.\nYou do not seem like one.\nI am and love sales. I always have.\nYou cannot inspire enthusiasm unless you are enthusiastic first.\nPassion is not a chore for those of us who are good at sales. It is a pleasure.
209210
You might try applying at the CIA, NSA or United States Department of State, for starters. They all look for good thinkers with credentials in the disciplines you mentioned. Obviously, teaching could be another useful option.\n\nWith a background like yours, you could also be sucessful in certain areas of sales, although the education is not usually a requirement for sales positions - but the ability to make intelligent conversation is usually a key to sales success.
543077
Is it possible to change jobs and move to a competitor?  Or, another sales job in a different industry?  Being able to sell is an amazing talent to have and very transferable.  \n\nIf you're the best sales person in the region, that's a fact and it doesn't matter what your boss says.  Sometimes you just have a crappy boss who is never pleased with what you do.  The problem is the boss and it's probably because they feel insecure.  Try to find compassion for the other person (i.e., maybe he's scared of losing his job, maybe he was picked on in school and you remind him of someone, etc.).  \n\nAlso, instead of worrying what they think, focus on what you know about yourself.  In your case, you know you're the top sales person.  Own it.  Be proud of it.  Broadcast it.\n\nSometimes, managing perceptions is all it takes.  Put some effort into communicating all the hard work you do.  If you don't get sales, talk about all the calls you made and then just shrug it off.  \n\nYou could also try speaking with your boss about this issue.  However, the key is to not do it when you're pissed off.  The other thing is to try to really listen to what they're saying even if it comes out sounding like crap.  Some people lack communication skills.  Really try to focus on a solution and a common goal.  \n\nSometimes being really honest helps too.  Rather than act like you don't care what he thinks, tell him you value his opinion and you feel very demoralized when he does x and that you were wondering if your perception of the situation was a bit off.  Don't blame.  Always chalk it up to differences in how you communicate.
282045
Make lots of money, buy a big house, have kids, afford time to relax. I don't care how I do it. I'm a damned good salesman with a business and management diploma, but management bores me and I'd rather spend time getting to know my customers, but that doesn't pay. If I could find a way to make enough in sales I'd be happy.
321454
Others have given you really good tips on negotiating with a salesperson, so I will just throw in some basics on negotiating in general.\n\nFirst off, know exactly what you are willing to pay, and don't quit until you get what you want for that price. A good salesman (and I should know, as I am married to one) knows the art of the sale, which involves a lot of psychology. Don't let the mind games throw you off.\n\nKnow what a reasonable price is for the item you want. There is a price that absolutely no one is going to go below, a price that is really ridiculous. Don't go there because you are just going to be disappointed. Do your homework and find out as much as you can about the item you want to buy, and find out what that reasonable basement price is. That's your goal.\n\nBe willing to walk away, and I don't mean just out to the parking lot, but away for good. If they aren't willing to negotiate with you, find someone else who is. You have cash, and someone is going to be willing to do business with you, on your terms.\n\nNever ever mention the price you are willing to pay. Offer a sum considerably lower than what you are willing to pay. That way there is plenty of wiggle room for you to go back and forth with offers and counter offers. If you start out offering 65-70% of what you are willing to pay, that leaves you room for two really good counter offers before you settle on a price. \n\nDon't get emotionally involved. I don't know the exact percentage, but I do know that more than half of sales where the buyer feels they paid to much take place because the prospective buyer let their emotions get in the way. Don't fall in love with the vision of yourself in that little red convertible, because it will undo all your work. \n\nThis last pointer is terrible, but it's a fact of life. If you are woman, consider taking a man with you. Many salespeople think that a woman can be walked on, but will tread more carefully if there's a man on hand. A strong-willed man is the best bet. Take your dad, brother, or boyfriend with you, and discuss your strategy ahead of time. Let him be the strong one, even if that feels like you are giving up control of the situation--just make sure he knows exactly what you want him to do.\n\nBest of luck :)
515013
It's good you care to become the best sales person you can be.  Just keep in mind that the other competitors sales might not have much to do with the sales staff.  The competitors might put more money into their advertising and marketing campaigns.  You also have to consider pricing.  Are the other products less expensive?  \n\nWhen you're talking with potential customers, impress upon them that your products are the best quality in the business, and your company backs them 100%.  (Make sure your company really does back them though.)  If your products are more expensive, you need to convince them of the importance to have the best quality equipment.  Don't bad mouth the competitors--that just makes you look terrible.  Instead, be positive and upbeat about your product.  \n\nIt's also important to establish a relationship with your customers.  People will buy from people they feel are their friends regardless of price.  When you leave your appointments, make sure you IMMEDIATELY write down the contacts name and any personal information you learned from them while talking.  For instance, how many children they have; the ages of the children; the names of the children; if they have a wife, etc.  Anything at all!  Next time you visit you ask "How was Sarah's soccer game?" or "Is your mother-in-law feeling better?"  Also take goodies to your potential top buyers--donuts, beagles and such.  \n\nAsk a buyer/manager out to lunch.  You pay.  Most companies reimburse the sales staff for business expenses.  If not, it's tax deductible--and then only do this with your most important customers.  Don't forget to send birthday cards (professional ones).\n\nTarget existing customers to buy new products.  Offer to help them fine tune their sales pitches to THEIR customers.  (This paragraph only applies if you're selling to retail stores.)  \n\nI could go on and on.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through my profile in yahoo.