Sales training ideas – Do you really want to get better at selling?

About three months ago a new salesperson called me, friend of a friend, and asked about Toastmasters (public speaking – toastmasters.org), she thought it would help with her sales ability. We spoke briefly about that, then I asked some questions: how long has she been in sales, what does she need help with, etc., after all, helping salespeople is what I do.

I gave her the basics: focus on helping the other person, be honest, do more and deliver more than you promise, have relaxed sales conversations with prospects and customers, get all the sales training you can get, and really take care of customers. I also told her about the free newsletter and other items on our website. I then e-mailed her all the information we had discussed and told her to contact me with any other sales questions. What happened? Nothing. Outside of a “thanks” e-mail, so I know she got the info.

My friend tells me that the salesperson continues to struggle, has the lowest numbers in the office, etc. Yet, I have not heard from her and she has not been to the website. My friend also tells me that, while this salesperson works hard, she thinks she knows everything and does not take part in voluntary sales training or take advice from people.

The bottom line: ALL OF US ARE ALWAYS IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING. THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO KNOW. Personally, I read new sales information everyday with an open mind realizing that someone may have a better way of doing things than I do in a certain area. Especially in the beginning we must be sponges, we must be coachable, we must get all the sales training we can, and we must have a strong desire to listen to and learn from others and to get better at selling.