Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header about About Home Profiles articles Tools forums inspirational quotes About facebook Twitter YouTube Blog

sales career Tagged Articles



A World of Possibility
When I started my sales career over 25 years ago, I worked for a small company selling telephone answering equipment. Hard to believe it but in those days I had to explain to prospects what the equipment was for and why they might want to use it.

Becoming an “Inner Winner” in Your Sales Career
Traditional sales training techniques ignore the biggest obstacle to sales success: Not recognizing and taking control of the Internal Critic that lingers within every sales person, and every athlete. The internal critic is basically a habitual pattern of negative thoughts that people allow to continue unabated until they recognize that they are engaging in such thinking. Using techniques that professional Sport Psychologists use to help elite athletes overcome their obstacle to success works the same wonders on sales people.
8 Question Sales Quiz - Malpractice?
First, there aren't 8 questions in the world where the answers would allow us to make that determination. Even if we tried, we couldn't identify even 15 of our 100+ questions that would allow us to answer that question accurately! But I was curious and clicked on through. 8 Questions and if you get 3 strikes or wrong answers, you're out and shouldn't be in sales. This free test shouldn't even be available for entertainment purposes!
A Test of Sales Character
I can honestly say I did not enjoy the early years of my sales career. I initially found it hard, relentless and sometimes really distressing. I was asked to do things I didn't always understand that significance of. I often felt overly scrutinised by the constant monitoring of activity and performance by my managers. I worked in tough markets in tough times and sometimes wondered if it was worth it. I felt under pressure and sometimes wished I didn't have to sell at all, however I came to realise that this tough introduction to selling was what I really needed to prepare me for the future. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson "Everyone lives by selling something'. Over the years as my sales career evolved, I began to learn a lot more about myself.

Who's delivering your sales training?
You cannot fake real sales experience and sales wisdom. It is one of the professions that is the hardest to teach and train because without real life sales experience you are at risk of being seen as inauthentic. To help you make the best choice when it comes to selecting the right sales trainer let's consider the following:
The coming together of Sales Leaders in Austalia
I recently had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Optimising the Sales Force Conference along with over 120 high level sales leaders across Australia. I was privileged to be part of the panel of international and local experts presenting on sales effectiveness where we explored the latest research on sales strategy, leadership, learning and development, sales management, sales people, and current market trends. This was the first time in Australia we have had the opportunity to come together as a profession and share ideas and discuss important matters moving forward.
Sales Tips for Commercial Salespeople and Sales Managers - How to Win Sales by Being Positively Predictable
This article is about creating a positive predictable experience for your prospects and customers. The salespeople who create a positively predictable experience for decision-makers earn both sales and referrals by taking the risk out of the buy-sell equation. Here's how.
Sales - A test of character
I can honestly say I did not enjoy the early years of my sales career. I initially found it hard, relentless and sometimes really distressing. I was asked to do things I didn't always understand that significance of. I often felt overly scrutinised by the constant monitoring of activity and performance by my managers. I worked in tough markets in tough times and sometimes wondered if it was worth it. I felt under pressure and sometimes wished I didn't have to sell at all, however I came to realise that this tough introduction to selling was what I really needed to prepare me for the future. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson "Everyone lives by selling something'.
The Optimistic Sales Professional
Sales is a demanding profession. Top performers know that to sustain a high level of performance, they need to keep fit and well - both physically and psychologically. An increasing body of research is showing that keeping an optimistic outlook, and having the physical energy to meet the demands of working in sales are critical to a sales person's effectiveness, success and overall well-being. Something many of us know intuitively, however it good to have it validated. Managing and overcoming setbacks is key to succeeding in anything. In sales we are tested everyday. Without a sense of optimism it would make getting up to face each day that much harder. So what is Optimism?
A Time To Reflect
I don't know about you, but I often find myself reflecting on a whole range of things in my life including my professional sales career and wondering at all the things I have learned over the years. Conscious reflecting on sales has now become almost a daily occurrence for me, especially, since I have been writing this sales blog. There are so many aspects to selling that the more I look into selling the more I find to reflect upon. So it was with some amusement that I found myself reflecting on reflecting itself and how valuable it is to our continued development and overall healthy functioning in this ever-changing world.
The Impact of Mental Conditioning
Discover how your thinking, mindset, conditioning and programming will make the difference in your short and more importantly long term business success. Read on to learn more...
Staying Naïve
There something to be said for remaining naive. Why is it that rookies who are green and don't know any better can often outsell seasoned veterans? In many ways, mentally staying naive has it's benefits.
Being authentic in sales
The 20th century approach of one-upmanship, although still encouraged by many traditional sales managers, seems to be slowly retreating into the shadows of the past as crude and old-fashioned. Polar opposite to the latter, but just as unproductive..
Ashamed of being in sales
Over the years I have met many sales people who are really good at selling, have all the ingredients, write great sales results and are highly valued by their companies, yet they never feel satisfied in their sales career. The afflicted sales person just feels a sense of unease and guilt about being in sales, a disquiet that never seems to get resolved.
Leading a healthy sales career
It is well documented that being healthy (physically, emotionally, and mentally) is vital to leading an effective and productive life. In sales, your health is a critical factor to your success. Many highly successful sales people I meet are self disciplined in all aspects of their life ensuring they are fit, healthy and well trained in their profession. Having a healthy sales career is underpinned by the individuals healthy life style, and a well managed business which includes good sales support, clear goals and leadership.
How to Find More Sales Opportuntities without Cold Calling
The two biggest problems for most companies right now, in this economy, are delayed closings and not enough new opportunities. I've tackled delayed closings, so today, with a little help from my friends, I'll tackle not enough new opportunities. I mentioned in my last post that (most of) you need three times more opportunities than ever before to make up for the late stage opportunities that aren't closing right now.
Salesmanship 101
One of the keys to achieving selling success is to employ your ears before you engage your mouth. Learn how to ask great questions.
Six unique yet practical sales tips
Practical sales tips such as the six classic closing skills are essential for any business, but there are also mental sales tips which set the real top sellers apart and which very few salespeople use. Here are six incredibly powerful 'Neurobic" exercises to keep your mind agile and open to every new sales opportunity.
Sales Tip - Top 3 Ways Introverts Can Sell Expertise to Stand Out and Above
Introverts can have the upper edge in a sales career as an expert when they understand the enormity of their strength as eternal learner in a sales career.
5 Annoying Cold Call Mistakes Salespeople Make and What to Do Instead
Most salespeople who cold call their unsuspecting victims have an approach that would give an aspirin a headache. In other words, highly annoying! Here's the 5 most annoying mistakes along with a better way for each one.
Five Ways to Annoy a B2B Prospect in a First-Time Meeting - Guaranteed!
Your first meeting with a prospective customer will make or break any chance for a new business relationship. No doubt about it: it's sink or swim time. So don't just avoid these five annoying mistakes; do the opposite and you will enjoy more win-wins.
Possibly the Single Best Question a Salesperson Can Ask a Prospect in a 1st-Time Meeting
I have used the "challenge" question time and time again. It's never failed me. In fact, it's allowed me to help decision-makers solve key business issues that impacted their bottom line.
Increase B2B Sales by Managing Your Prospecting and Sales Ratios
Are you a B2B salesperson looking to increase your annual income goal? If you're responsible for generating new business, you need to track and manage (improve) your ratios. And the best way to start is by looking at a meaningful number... your desired income. From there we'll work backwards to let you know exactly how to make that happen.
Why Following Up To a Sales Meeting Could Give an Aspirin a Headache Unless You Do This One Thing
It's vital that you have a list of options for "next steps" when you go into a sales meeting, because once the meetings over, you might be doomed to eternal followup. Read on to discover ways to make your meeting end with clearly defined next steps.
Out Thoughts Control our Destiny
Our thoughts determine our actions, our moods, our self-image, how we present ourselves to others and even the words we speak. The simplest and quickest way to change our situation in life is simply to change the way we think. In short, our thoughts determine our destiny. You are today where your thoughts have brought you and you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. If you want to improve your life, grow your business and generate more sales, you gotta think like a winner.
Sales Tip – Sell Yourself as the Expert to Stand Out and Above
Salespeople who tend toward an introvert preference thrive on research. What and why is a research strength important in selling?
Rediscovering Your Passion for Selling
As experienced salespeople, who like most have to some degree been tainted by the small frustrations of selling and forgotten some of the reasons that made us fall in love with selling in the first place, we need to remember that this profession truly allows us to dream of better things, and shows us the way to make them happen.
Sales Training Uncover the Treasure Trove with Your Sales Prospect
Finding the treasures in selling is easier than it likely was to find the treasures in King Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt. What are selling treasures? How do you find them? They’re found in the career, the prospect and yourself. Let’s go to the selling treasure trove.

The Power of Numbers
To achieve success in business, sales and life, you must play the numbers. The salesperson who sales the most is usually not the best salesperson.Salespeople often ask me how they can increase their income. Here is how it works:
Goal Setting
Instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of his goal he just did 10% at a time and not only did he achieve his goal but after reaching his goal he took the next step and reevaluated his goals and set new ones.
The Three Legged Sale
Conventional wisdom tells you that if you can sell the leader you will sell the rest of them. That works sometimes. What do you do if the leader isn’t interested in your product or already has something similar?
Go From Good to Great: Five Ways to Boost Your Sales Career
There is a chasm between good and great sales performance. Here are five ways to boost your sales career quickly.

WORK LIKE A MANIAC - PLAY LIKE THE RICH AND FAMOUS - IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE!
Have you ever wondered how really high achievers manage to get so much done in a business day? Then manage to take so much time off with their family and friends. Why is time management is such a challenge for sales people? How can you reduce the stress in your life by being in greater control of your life? How do you value your time? Do you know what each hour is worth? Hqere's how... Why creating balance is so important to achieve real success in your life
3 Simple Measurements for Developing Your Sales Team
In addition to looking at the numbers, you can figure out very quickly whether or not a sales person is successful by ranking them on a scale of one to ten... in three key areas…
Ask for that meeting - and grow your sales!
It's an obvious, but frequently overlooked technique - and one that can pay huge dividends.

Finding Your Own Selling Style: A Key to Sales Success
Many salespeople struggle because they try too hard to copy or "model" successful role-models - without realising that a lot of what their role-models do is intimately tied-in to their personality and their experience. To truly succeed in sales you need to achieve the same outcomes - but develp your own style of doing so.
Sales Compensation Guidelines
Money alone does not motivate most people, but incentives crafted into a well thought-out compensation plan will produce results you hope for. Here are some guildelines to help you with your pay plans.
A Unique Approach to Increase Sales
How do I increase sales? That's number the one question I get asked. You must attract a customer, create interest, build rapport and be memorable. This formula will naturally result in customer retention, customer generated referrals and undoubtedly more sales. How do I go about this you ask? Be Unique.
Create a Marketing Strategy to Attract Customers and Increase Sales
When I started my sales career I was young. What I lacked in sales experience I made up for with enthusiasm. While I was eager, I wasn't naive. I knew that I needed to create my own marketing strategy in order to kick-start my career in sales. Learn how I created a marketing strategy for less than $15.

A Closing Strategy for Success
Closing is arguably the most important step in the sales process. It is your Grail, your target, the meaning of your quest. It is the undertaking that you strive for. Learn how to close a sale correctly, creating ultimate success in your sales career.
Becoming the Best: Speaking of Motivating Those around You
How good a deal are your customers or your people or your partners or your bosses getting when you get them to buy into what you’re selling? And what can you do to make it better?
High Performance Selling
There are four things you can do to achieve a measure of high-performance in your sales career.

Let Your Fantasy Be Your Reality
What would you do in your sales career if you did not have limitations? Everyone has self-imposed limitations. These limitations can stem from several strong forces – environment, childhood experiences, workplace profiling, etc. Never allow anyone to pigeonhole you into whom you supposedly are or who you are not.

Other sales career Related Articles

Are You Cut Out For A Career In Direct Selling
Anyone who elects to embark on a career in direct selling had better be able to sell. A person who chooses sales, even as a last resort, is making a tough decision to depend entirely on his/her own effort, pride, and willingness to practice long enough to succeed. It’s tough not to be able to hide behind a corporate security blanket, make excuses, or blame the product, the boss, the company, or anybody else. When they choose sales, they accept the risk to their egos, some people’s derision, and the fears of those not brave enough to stand up to that kind of heat. So, if a career in direct selling beckons, ask yourself the tough question – “Am I suited for a career in sales?”

Prospecting with a Plan
A good pool of prospects is one of the keys to a successful selling career. Knowing how to prospect effectively keeps a career vital, and is truly the lifeblood of sales. Yet, so many sales professionals overlook the crucial element of having a prospecting plan. With a plan to follow, you can measure your efforts and results.

Sales Tip - Top 3 Ways Introverts Can Sell Expertise to Stand Out and Above
Introverts can have the upper edge in a sales career as an expert when they understand the enormity of their strength as eternal learner in a sales career.
Ashamed of being in sales
Over the years I have met many sales people who are really good at selling, have all the ingredients, write great sales results and are highly valued by their companies, yet they never feel satisfied in their sales career. The afflicted sales person just feels a sense of unease and guilt about being in sales, a disquiet that never seems to get resolved.
Empower Your Sales People By Providing Them With Positive Behavioral Feedback
The sales manager is the sales rep's direct line of communication between himself and his performance. If this line is cut, if the sales manager is somewhat incompetent or won't do his job properly, then the company has a problem. One of the most important factors that could influence a sales rep's growth in his career is the sales manager's ability to do his job well.
What you should know before you invest in a sales training program.
Sales training is the foundation for a successful sales career. However, not all sales training is grounded and there are many factors to consider when selecting a sales training program. An individual wouldn’t have any direction without sales training. He/she would be wasting his/her own potential and the resources of the company. Therefore, it is important that the sales training relate not only to the individual’s needs but also to management objectives and their line of business.

Did Your Salespeople Choose to be In Sales?
A majority of people didn't start their sales careers right after college. Did most of your sales people choose sales as a career or did they simply end up in sales?

6 Killer Tips To Get Promoted to Sales Management in 2011!
For the New Year of 2011, we wanted to give you 6 killer tips on how to get promoted into sales management if you are a sales person right now. If you are a sales manager now, this is something that you may want to advise your ambitious sales people on. One of the roles of a sales manager is to find out what their career goals are.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Set Business Goals
I learned about goal setting very early on in my sales and management career. Sales training, sales managers and business owners taught me how to create business goals. I was told how important it was to write my sales goals down on a sales board, and that there was nothing worse in my career than defunct goals.
Create a Marketing Strategy to Attract Customers and Increase Sales
When I started my sales career I was young. What I lacked in sales experience I made up for with enthusiasm. While I was eager, I wasn't naive. I knew that I needed to create my own marketing strategy in order to kick-start my career in sales. Learn how I created a marketing strategy for less than $15.

Featured Article

Bottom Footer



Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Why SEO is important for your online success

Business Coach Explains To You How To Add Value

Purchasing Real Estate using the SBA 504 Loan
Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.