Training Tips

Three Steps to Success: How to excel in 2009

Although there are no exact blueprints for success, Mike Brooks discusses three aspects that demand attention this year in his mrinsidesales.com article “2009 — Three Things You Must Do To Succeed,” which are:

1. Attitude. “You absolutely must do everything you can do to develop, protect and nurture a contagiously enthusiastic attitude,” Brooks says. Attitude is the major determining factor that will affect success this year. With all of the negative people out there to run into, it’s important to infect them with a positive attitude instead of being brought down with their negativity. Brooks suggests goal setting, listening to motivational CD’s and reading inspirational books in order to invest in a positive attitude.

2. Sales Skills. Because there is no room for error in today’s economy, laziness and bad habits will be deadly. It is imperative to acquire, perfect and make use of effective techniques. Brooks predicts that up to 25% of sales professionals will lose their jobs this year because of failing to improve their skills. Make a conscious effort to improve each and every day.

3. Prospects’ needs. “Now more than ever, it’s crucially important that you learn how to connect with your prospects and show them you really care about what they’re going through and what their needs are,” writes Brooks. Customers pay attention to those who try to understand their problems and find ways to help solve them. Listening will lead to more success than pitching.

“Just remember, 89% of your competition won’t do these things, but if you will, you will smoke them,” Brooks says.