I have a new job in sales and am nervous talking to people. How can I be more outgoing?

Question

I'm going to a sales seminar next Thursday and am worried about starting and keeping conversation going. I'm on the shy side and would like to be more out-going.

Answer 1

Go shopping this week-end and force yourself to talk to everyone, other shoppers, cashiers, servers, commuters, the guy standing beside you at the crosswalk. Remember a warm bright smile, happy words, no complaining.

Answer 2

keep yakking. Talk all you can stand. Each new person onto the sales floor is a opportunity to reduce your nervousness. Of course you're going to get nervous but the feeling will pass the more and more you do it. And learning sales skills helps in all areas of life. There are various exercises or thought tricks to reduce nervousness. I've used these to great effect.

Remember, everybody had to start somewhere. Getting through all the no's to the yes's will definately decrease your nervousness.

Focus on the success. Focus on calm feelings. Focus on being the kind of salesperson you really want to be.

Answer 3

Sales and communicating with people come together, like apple pie and ice cream. That said, I am a shy person that struggled for years in overcoming this limitation. Participating in seminars will provide you with an opportunity to meet new people and practice some small talk. Please consider joining organizations like Toast Masters. And last, but not least, consider performing volunteer work in an area that will force you to use your verbal, communication skills.

Good luck and keep on talking!

Answer 4

Seminars are great! There are also many books written by salespeople who started out like you have. One author is Zig Ziglar, who is very inspiratiional. There are also alot of go getters on tape to play in your car and listen to, the library will offer quite a few. We didn't all start out to be public speakers, ya know! Just remember when you talk to people, to be yourself. They are nervous around you, too! If you come across too pushy, you will turn them away from you. I don't know what you're selling, but the more natural you talk to them, the better success you will have. It's your job, too, remember, not your personal life, you can make it happen if you want what we call the "old paycheck" in your hand! Good Luck!

Answer 5

I don't know what you're selling, but your job is to listen, to learn, to find the needs, to consult.

Relax, talk to them as your would a friend that you're telling about that cool new thing you just got..

If you start thinking as if you're a sales person, trying to force or manipulate someone into buying, then you should be nervous, but if you're a consultative sales person, someone who helps them and gives advice, then they are happy to work with you.

And you can always be honest with customers.. Tell them right up front, I'm a little shy, but I'm really excited about our products and would really enjoy helping you.

Answer 6

As a sales guy you need confident first.
So first clear about your product and make a home work about other products (competitive)
Know strength and weakness of your products.
Talk before the mirror (what you going to tell before customers)

Begin and end up with pleasant SMILE

(read self motive books (optional))

All the Best

Answer 7

One of the best ways to succeed in sales is through effectively communicating with the customer. One of the best ways I have learned to do that, with my company, is to ask questions. I found this great white paper (it's free) that you can read to give you a better idea how to do it. I think you will like it.

Answer 8

Ask people about themselves. People love talking about themselves.

Before you go to the seminar, practive your 30 second commercial so when people ask you what you do you can tell them in a few words. You want people to ask you questions.

What are you selling? How can I get more information? These are the questions that you want people to ask.

Answer 9

Ask relevant questions and listen very well. if you truly care about helping the prospect, you will engage them and try to find the best way to help them. The best salesreps are the ones that ask the right questions and listen very well. You also have to beleive your product/solution is the best otherwise don't sell it and find something you can get fired up about. Good luck.

Answer 10

Confidence is something you need, practice talking with a friend or friends as your audience. keep your head up high and believe in you self, you will be surprise at what you can accomplish in life,good luck.