When you’re young and first starting out in sales it’s essential to surround yourself with experienced people or coaches who are able to pick up on the things that you do and correct any errors you’re making right off the bat. Very often, people make the same mistakes over and over again without even being aware of them. And if you don’t correct these mistakes early on, it’ll be incredibly hard to break these “habits” later on in your career. Below I outline five of the top mistakes that salespeople make without realising that they’re making them.
NOT FOCUSING ON THE JOB AT HAND:
Many salespeople who come to Dubai to start a new job will be seduced by the bright lights and appeal of being in a new city. But do not under any circumstances mistake your job for a holiday or change of scenery. Dubai is littered with people thinking that they can move to the UAE to make a quick buck, but these people usually don’t make it through the first six months. Be fully committed and invested in the job at hand. After all, you’re here to work!
NOT TAKING THE TIME TO REFINE YOUR SKILLS:
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. If you want to be successful then you’ve got to commit to continuous learning and training. Practice the skills that are necessary for your job daily, but involve others that can critique you and offer constructive feedback. You won’t get better unless you realise what you’re doing wrong and learn how to correct any mistakes that you’re making. In addition to the above, attending professional training and industry-related seminars will also help you a great deal. If you want to be a professional you’ve got to work on your skills and your craft.
NOT HAVING ENOUGH PATIENCE:
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are careers. Expecting a promotion before it’s truly earned, or expecting your business to take off before you’ve even taken the time to nurture and grow it, is just unobtainable. Goal planning is essential, but having unrealistic expectations is not advised. Be real with yourself and remind yourself daily that great things are worth waiting and working for.
GIVING UP TOO SOON:
You are never going to close 100% of the prospects that you meet with, but I have found that a lot of salespeople tend to mistake objections for rejections and this leads to them losing out on tons of potential sales. If your prospect has any fears or doubts, it’s your job to reassure them and get them past that. Just because they sound tentative doesn’t mean that they are never going to buy from you. They just want you to hold their hand and walk them across the finish line. Don’t give up on the sale prematurely.
DON’T GET SUCKED INTO NEGATIVE SITUATIONS:
Indulging in gossip at the workplace will never do you good. The fastest way to lose motivation is to hang around the proverbial water-cooler. Stay focused when you’re at the office and keep your eye on the prize.
*For more information on the above, watch my video on the topic here:
