Being a successful sales professional is a lot more difficult than it may seem. 

While some will tell you that you just “need to ask for the sale”, “don’t take ‘no’ for an answer”, or that “sales is a numbers game”, the reality is that a sales role is entrepreneurial in its nature and success has a lot more to do with how you show up each day than it does how much technical expertise you have.

As you make strides to emerge as the best version of yourself every day, I invite you to reflect on these 5 qualities that are essential to any wildly successful sales professional.

Genuine Thoughtfulness
I know that your truest self absolutely is. But, do you show up this way when you are trying to sell something? Are you acting with compassion and empathy when talking about people’s problems? Do you truly desire to see the positive changes and transformations of your clients when they work with you? Are you patient and understanding when they raise objections or questions?

Some of us had this type of thoughtfulness modeled for us more than others. Some seem to do it naturally while others have to be very intentional. No matter how easily thoughtfulness may or may not come to you, you can continue to intentionally practice it and lead with this version of yourself.

Intrinsically Motivated
When you take action based on what motivates you personally, you are intrinsically motivated. When you take action to avoid consequences, win an award, or gain recognition from others, you are extrinsically motivated.

Do you have a desire to be successful beyond the goals and quota of your company? Do you have clearly defined personal goals? Do you have a bigger purpose for the effort that you are putting forth?

The best professionals in any industry are often motivated within themselves and also have goals and targets externally to help keep them on track. 

Don’t outsource your motivation to your boss or business. This is your life. Take as much control of your fate as you can!

Proactivity
When a thought pops into your head on how to do something, do you do it? 

When you think about the client or prospect and realize you have a question for them, do you pick up the phone and call them?

When it is time to prospect, do you do it or do you find creative ways to avoid it?

Do you take action within your sales process to make it easier for your prospect to buy from you or do you just allow the process to play out?

If you are able to challenge yourself to take more action, you will give others permission to do the same. The most successful sales professionals take the initiative to (1) notice what might improve the situation, and (2) take action to make change happen.

Solution-Oriented
Tim O’Leary once said, “I don’t have problems. I just need plans.”

How often do you find yourself distracted by the problems you face? How much energy do you give them? How much of your attention do they take up on a daily basis?

Challenge yourself to recognize the “problems” that you feel in the moment and then immediately shift your attention to a potential solution. Move things forward to a better future state, even if it might not be in the way that you had originally expected or planned.

Curious State of Mind
Do you have a genuine desire to learn new things?

How often do you find yourself wanting to “be right” as opposed to getting it right? 

As they say, if your toe is hurting, you are probably stepping on your own foot.  

Challenge yourself to accept that you aren’t always right and that there is a lot more you don’t know than you do know. 

Each person you speak with has their own individual experience. Honor that and respect that. And then get really curious to truly understand it.

If you focus on embodying these five characteristics in your sales career and personal life, you might surprise yourself with the way your life starts to look.

This week, be thoughtful. Find your own intrinsic motivation. Be proactive and solution-oriented. And get curious.