I stumbled across a poll somewhere this week that asked “What do Salespeople do that irritates you the most?”

As a salesperson most of these answers don’t surprise me. But let me break them down from a salesman’s perspective for you – and how to not be “that guy”

1. They’re too aggressive/pushy/manipulative – Well based off my posts on persistence and asking for the sale – its kinda part of the point to be aggressive. But at this point it is where good salespeople show up the weaker salesmen. You can be aggressive without coming off as aggressive. It is all in the presentation at this point.
2. They know nothing about the product they are trying to sell – This is 100% on management and the salesman at that point. If you don’t take the time to learn what you’re selling, you’re doing it wrong. No other words for it. Learn your product, because your client certainly will. If not, someone else will tell them why they have the better product.
3. They ignore me and continue to talk to their co-workers – Really? People still do this. These “salesmen” won’t be “salesmen” for long. Again, bad on management and on the salesman.

So most of the problems people have with salespeople boil down to the fact that most people are dealing with poorly trained salesmen.   None of the three things above can’t be overcome by training.   

If you’re a manager – train your salesmen.   

If you’re a salesman – train yourself!

More from Conrey

• Everyone is a Salesman
• Do you know what your competitors are doing?
• Do More With Less
• Selling in a “Down Economy”
• Racing with Your Client

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