SALESMANSHIP

“But I’m an Engineer, not a Salesman!” you might sneer. Well it is time to realize that we are all salespersons. You are selling your designs, your ideas, your capabilities for promotion, your product manager on a new concept – see? Here are 13 Winning Traits of super salespeople:

1. Be and stay committed to goals – know what you want to achieve. Measure your progress.

2. Be and stay self-disciplined – start dong what you know you should - whether you like it or not. Do the right things and always have a sense of urgency.

3. Be and stay knowledgeable – Never let a day pass without having learned something new about your product line or service. Do your homework.

4. Be and stay a relationship-builder – Build the trust level in all you do. Positively influence the attitudes and behaviors of your “customers”.

5. Be and stay self-confident – Accept rejection without too much inner anguish. Remind yourself that you are prepared, poised, and persuasive.

6. Be and stay enthusiastic – Generate an excitement about what you are selling. Enthusiasm will encourage others to cooperate with you.

7. Be and stay an “assistant buyer” – Help your “customer” recognize the need and show them the benefit your idea offers.

8. Be and stay perceptive – Form the habit of paying attention. Deliberately train your eyes to see and your ears to hear their needs and desires.

9. Be and stay a skillful communicator – Study both your words and expressions carefully. You must gain your prospects full understanding.

10. Be and stay a perfectionist – Demand excellence of yourself. There is no room for compromise among professionals.

11. Be and stay physically fit – Develop the capacity to work hard and long, but balance your life. Be a self starter who balances work, exercise, and diet.

12. Be and stay financially sound - Get a good handle on your personal and business expenses. Learn to live within a budget and don’t let credit card debt control you.

13. Be and stay persistent – Always bounce back. The secret of success is constancy of purpose.