I’ve been working in sales for about 8 months now. In that time, I’ve failed woefully, thought to give up and go work for my parents, closed huge deals, and most importantly learnt a lot, and continue to do so daily. Here are 4 takeaways I’ve had on the journey so far, that I hope will help you, as you navigate this thing called life.

1. It’s a numbers game

This is sales 101. The more “nos” yo get, the more the chances of “yeses”/ investors / clients / substitute for x’s (x being “yes”). The key is moving through the Nos quickly, and efficiently, and getting great at determining which one you’re facing. I had to learn the hard way how to determine which donor just hadn’t spoken to a human in days and needed to talk, and which was going to make a donation. The more I learnt this, the more “prospects” I spoke to, the more deals I closed. I think a lot of life and work is like that. The more times you can practice something that’s important to you to master, the better you get at said thing.

2. It’s no hard feelings

The fact is, people are sometimes, going to be mean. Any sales person will attest to this. It’s often not your fault, they could’ve had a bad day, are just not in a friendly mood, or maybe, they simply don’t need/want what you’re selling. Whatever the reason, the way to get the courage to try again is simply to learn (and learn it fast) that it’s no hard feelings. I’ve had prospects flirt with me, end the call, be curt ordering on rude via email, etc. It’s helped me to get up, and take a walk, laugh over it with my colleagues, etc. This mindset also helps when dealing with a number of tough conversations. Whatever the coping mechanism you use, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, please stick with it, and remember- it’s no hard feelings.

3. Human connection !

Everyday in sales, I’m reminded that human connection is vital, because chances are, there are many vendors for almost every product/service out there. The way I’ve met and exceeded my sales quotas has been by forming a connection to my prospect, and then helping them see how what I’m selling will help solve a very specific, often emotional problem for them. Similarly, in business, in charity work, at school, with people we meet everyday, one way to move through life with a degree of ease, is by taking the time to form a connection with a fellow human being. To the extent it’s proper and/or wise to do so, make an effort to do this, and you’ll often find that people lower their guards and give you a chance.

4. Take risks, and when you’re tired, take more risks

I’ve been privileged to watch and learn from some excellent sales people so far, and they’re all natural risk takers. For them, sometimes this looks like getting rid of any call scripts and winging it, and sometimes it’s making harmless jokes in a client meeting that may or may not land. For me, it’s looked like cold calling a prospect at 10am on a Monday morning when they’re still working through emails, or going after big accounts I initially felt I was too “inexperienced” to work. I’ve both failed and succeeded in these scenarios. For you, it might be asking for that raise/promotion you’re worried you won’t get (but probably deserve), or asking out that person you’ve been wanting to. It could even be having that tough conversation with a friend/family member you know you need to have. Whatever risk you have in your mind as you read this, I encourage you to try! You may succeed, or fail, but either way, please refer to Point 1 above : )

I hope this has been an entertaining read, and that something here helps you this week/in future. Please leave a comment if so.

Till next time, Olive.