When we speak about the DNA of a sales guru, we are referring to the building blocks that make a successful salesperson. It is the very foundation of your sales training journey. Once you are equipped with the right fundamentals, a whole new world of possibilities arises. All of a sudden the very challenges that were holding you back become opportunities to further your skills and refine your approach. You go from being a victim of circumstance to a master of your universe. To begin your path on this journey you must first look inward.
In this Sales Training article series we explore the individual strands that make up the DNA of a sales guru. This foundational blueprint will empower you to take on any sales challenge with renewed confidence and a bullet-proof mindset. It all starts with the concept of ‘knowledge hunger’.
Develop a Sales Training appetite for improvement
Consider the vital technology you use on a daily basis, from the smartphone in your pocket, to the desktop computer in your office. In order to make the most out of these tools, they need to be upgraded regularly. Imagine you were still using the same desktop or Nokia 3310 from years ago. It would be an absolute nightmare to get anything done, let alone efficiently. When it comes to technology we do not hesitate to upgrade because the process is simple and the benefits are undeniable. The same applies to ourselves. The benefits are undeniable. And while ‘upgrading’ yourself means implementing change, which often pulls you into an uncomfortable space, that is where the growth lies.
Over decades of sales training, the team at SalesGuru has interacted with thousands of salespeople. When asked, it turns out that the majority of them have not consumed or been exposed to any sales training content prior to our programmes. Not one article, video clip or training course.
We also see some common traits:
1) Many salespeople are comfortable in their routine and blame their losses or lack of success on external factors brought on by socio-economic issues, or whatever low-hanging fruit is within reach.
2) Too many salespeople let their egos get in the way of growth. As your career and experience grows, so too does your ego. If you do not keep it in check, your overall performance will begin to decline. That is because with experience comes knowledge and nuance, but also a resistance to change. Developing a drive for continuous improvement requires you as a salesperson to look inward before you can learn from others. We are all proud of the time invested in our work and our ego acts as a gatekeeper to introspection. We become stagnant in our careers and struggle to pinpoint why. Instead, we begin the ‘blame game’ and point our fingers at everything and everyone, instead of ourselves.
One of our favourite quotes is from Jim Rohn: “A formal education will earn you a living. Self-education will earn you a fortune.”
In order to sell like a sales guru you need to commit to continuous improvement. The first step to satiating your ‘knowledge hunger’ starts with dedicating a set amount of study time every week to improve your sales knowledge across every facet of the profession. You need to adopt the mindset of a lifelong student to ensure your ‘sales system software’ is upgrading on a regular basis. In fact, if you are reading this right now, you are already on the right path!
Looking to feed your ‘knowledge hunger’ further? Sign up for the SalesGuru Sales Training and Sales Management programmes today.
The problem with instant gratification in Sales
In today’s fast-paced sales environment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of instant gratification and minimal effort. Technology has made it easier than ever to automate repetitive tasks, and there seems to be a new hack or tool popping up every day promising to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. But while these tactics may help close a few deals in the short term, they’re ultimately detrimental to long-term success in sales. In this article, we explore the pitfalls of instant gratification and minimal effort in sales, and share strategies for breaking out of this cycle to achieve sustainable success.
The ‘quick fix’ problem
The first major pitfall of instant gratification and minimal effort is that it leads to a lack of focus on the long-term. When we’re constantly chasing the next easy win, we lose sight of the bigger picture and start prioritising short-term gains over long-term success. This can lead to burnout, as well as a lack of consistent revenue growth over time. To combat this, it’s important to develop a clear vision of your long-term goals, and constantly assess whether the actions you’re taking today align with those goals.
The second major pitfall is that instant gratification and minimal effort can lead to a lack of authenticity and human connection in your sales process. When we rely too heavily on automation and hacks, we can lose sight of the fact that sales is about building relationships with people. This can lead to a lack of trust from potential customers, and harm your bottom line. Remember that sales is ultimately about connecting with customers and you need to invest time and effort into building authentic relationships with your prospects.
The third major pitfall is a lack of creativity and innovation. When we’re constantly doing the same things and relying on the same tactics, we can become stagnant and fail to adapt to changes in the market. This can ultimately harm our ability to grow and succeed in sales over time. It’s important to experiment with new approaches and strategies and not be afraid to take risks and try something new. Keep in mind that trying something new should come from a place of persistence rather than convenience.
The fourth and final major pitfall is that instant gratification and minimal effort can lead to a lack of resilience and adaptability. When we’re used to everything coming easy, we can become complacent and resistant to change. This can be dangerous in an ever-changing sales landscape, where the ability to adapt quickly is key to success. Focus on developing a knowledge hunger mindset, and to view failures and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. There are always new ways to improve, provided you are willing to put in the effort on a consistent basis.
In summary, while it may be tempting to rely on instant gratification and minimal effort to achieve short-term success in sales, this approach is detrimental in the long run. By focusing on the long-term, building authentic relationships, experimenting with new approaches, and developing a knowledge hunger mindset, sales professionals can achieve sustainable success. So go ahead, put in the effort, and reap the rewards. Your future self will thank you for it.
Sales training can vary greatly depending on the industry you operate in. At SalesGuru we offer specialised sales training for: Financial Services, Logistics, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Telecommunications, IT, Industrial and Manufacturing, Hospitality, Office Automation and the Motor Industry. From a team of trainers with decades of real world sales experience. Get in touch today!
The pivotal role of sales in business
Sales is the backbone of any successful business. Without sales, there is no revenue, and without revenue, it’s impossible for businesses to thrive. But sales often gets a bad rap and is sometimes perceived as the outcast of the business world. When business is going well, it’s attributed to the company strategy and when things go bad, well… then sales suck! Regardless, whether it’s B2B or B2C, it is undeniable that sales are an integral part of the value chain. It all begins with identifying a customer’s need and ends with satisfying that need. In between, there’s an entire sales process that takes place that’s critical to a company’s success. Let’s take a deep dive into why sales is so vital to any business.
It starts and ends with sales
Sales teams are responsible for generating revenue, identifying customer needs, building relationships, encouraging innovation, and therefore play a critical role in fueling company growth.
Generate revenue: Salespeople are responsible for generating revenue for the company. They have the ability to bring in new customers and upsell existing ones. Salespeople are experts at creating and maintaining relationships, which is essential in keeping clients loyal. The more revenue sales teams bring in, the more resources companies have to invest in other areas of the business.
Identify customer needs: Salespeople are the first point of contact for potential customers. They have the ability to figure out what customers need and how their products or services will fill that need. Marketing and product teams then use this information to improve their offerings and keep the products in line with customers’ needs. Sales is all about helping others be better off on their wants, needs and objectives than where they currently are.
Build relationships: Salespeople are the backbone of building strong customer relationships. They have the ability to create rapport with their clients and form loyal relationships. Clients are more likely to buy from companies they trust, and salespeople are the face of the company. By building strong relationships with customers, salespeople increase the chances of repeat business and customer loyalty.
Encourage innovation: Sales teams are advocates for customers and know their needs firsthand. By being attuned to customer feedback, sales teams contribute to innovation. They communicate customer needs to product and marketing teams, which then helps companies identify areas for improvement and create solutions that benefit their clients.
Fuel company growth: Sales teams are responsible for bringing in new business, and new business fuels company growth. Without sales, companies wouldn’t have the resources to grow and expand. Sales teams enable companies to stay ahead of the competition by keeping their products and services top-of-mind for potential customers.
Sales Gurus wear their sales badge with pride and understand that to be called a sales representative is and should be among the most important titles in any business. It’s imperative for businesses to invest in their sales teams and equip them with the tools and resources to succeed. In doing so, they set themselves up for lasting success.
Earl Nightingale said: “We are all self-made but only the successful will admit it.” We prefer: “All salespeople are self-made, but only the successful salespeople will ever admit it.”
Sales training can vary greatly depending on the industry you operate in. At SalesGuru we offer specialised sales training for: Financial Services, Logistics, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Telecommunications, IT, Industrial and Manufacturing, Hospitality, Office Automation and the Motor Industry. From a team of trainers with decades of real world sales experience. Get in touch today!
