I love to sell ballroom dance lessons. I’ve sold a lot in my time. It’s easy to do when you totally adore and believe in what you’re selling!  If you want to sell a lot of your product and become a prosperous salesperson, here are the traits that’ll bring you success. They will help you when you’re solving a problem for your customer, regardless of what it is you’re selling.

How to be a prosperous salesperson.

1. Be enthusiastic and happy.

Nobody wants to be around you when you’re grouchy and annoyed. Even if the traffic sucks, the baby kept you up all night, and you’re hungry, it’s best to forget about it and put on a happy face. Remember the old saying, “Act enthusiastic, even if you’re not, and soon you will be.”

2. Expect success.

Can’t you just see it now? Take a moment to imagine that you’re a prosperous salesperson. In your mind’s eye, see yourself triumphantly closing a deal. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen.

Sports professionals have been using the technique of visualization for years. For this reason, I recommend you read this insider’s view of how to make this system work for you. This article, “The Power of Visualization”, was written by Matt Neason, an expert on Peak Performance.

While we’re on the subject of performance, check out these home runs by New York Yankee, Aaron Judge.

3. Ask questions and really listen to the answers.

Your potential customer has an issue that needs to be addressed. Accordingly, your job is to find out what it is they want so you can provide the solution. Keep in mind that they won’t always tell you upfront. That’s why you’ve got to ask open-ended questions. You know, questions that can’t be answered with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. Importantly, give them your full attention as they speak. Therefore, listen, really listen. And, of course, remember what they say.

4. Move more to make money.

There’s only one way to grow and become a prosperous salesperson and that’s to move more. Specifically, you’ve got to get out and see more people.  Indeed, your priority is to make new contacts, spread the word about your business, and help others. That’s your key to success.

5. Follow through with what you promise.

“That’s a good question, Mr. Jones. Let me check it out and I’ll get back to you tomorrow with the answer.” For Pete’s sake, get back to him tomorrow!

6. A prosperous salesperson finds it easy to express gratitude.

Whether you call, text, email, or write, express that you appreciate your prospect’s consideration. Don’t forget to thank them for the sale, the referral, or the opportunity.

7. You’ll close more deals when you treat people right.

Do you want to make good money? Give better customer service than anyone has a right to expect. For this reason, put yourself out and go the extra mile.

To begin with, stay informed about your customer and look for chances to reach out. Obviously, don’t miss a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, or any occasion where you can send a high-five and acknowledge their good fortune.

8. Consider obstacles and objections.

Don’t be blindsided by a bump in the road. Your experience will guide you when it comes to resistance. Do yourself a favor and overcome objections before they’re vocalized. You’ll appear more professional if you gently guide your customer past the stumbling block rather than try to push them through it.

9. Be resilient.  “I’ve got nothing but love for ya.”

It’s best not to show emotion when things aren’t going your way. You can’t take things personally when you’re in the business of negotiating with individuals and companies. To be sure, sometimes it’ll get tough. However, if you want to stay in the game, you’ll have to roll with the punches.

A prosperous salesperson will keep his or her feelings in check and show appreciation for the individual.

10. Turn a negative into a positive, “That’s the beauty of it!”

When there’s an objection to your proposal, consider it a request for more information. As a matter of fact, predict the worst thing that could be said or done, and prepare three solutions to it.

For example, in the case of a ballroom dance studio, if a student says they don’t have time for the program you’ve presented, a great reply would be, “That’s the beauty of this program. When you take your lessons is totally up to you. It’s 100% on your schedule. You take as many or as few as you like at your convenience.”

11. Be flexible and creative.

One solution will not fit all situations, so here’s where being creative will make you stand out. When you’re a consultative problem solver, you become a valued teammate of your customer. Be sure to let your flexibility and creativity find new ways to build a successful association.

12. Be BOLD!  Ya gotta have guts to succeed.

Courage, fearlessness, determination, and indomitable spirit. Need I say more?

By the way, any and all of these traits will guarantee a robust boost to your personal relationships, as well. For more on that, check out the Dance Safari post, “Good Relationships – Lessons Learned”.

Now, get out there and close that deal!

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