What do you do if you're a retail sales professional struggling with fear and lacking assertiveness?

Build Self-Confidence: Celebrate your strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small. Practice positive self-talk and visualize successful interactions with customers. Focus on the Customer: Shift your mindset from self-doubt to a genuine desire to serve the customer's needs. This takes the pressure off you and makes the interaction more natural. Continuous Learning: Invest in training and skill development. Improved product knowledge and sales techniques. Start Small: Begin with greeting customers, etc. As you gain experience, gradually take on more challenging interactions. Seek Support: Engage with experienced colleagues or mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement, helping you overcome self-limiting beliefs.

To become a more assertive and confident retail sales professional, identify and address the root causes of your fear, build your knowledge and skills, practice positive self-talk and small goals, learn from successful colleagues, seek feedback and coaching, use calming techniques, and celebrate your progress.

Listen, listen, listen. Then you know your prospects needs. Also don’t listen to respond, but listen to be genuine and interested in the prospects life story. Happy closing!

Understanding fear in the bustling world of Indian retail means recognizing it as a natural emotion, akin to preparing for a big festival but fearing its outcome. It’s vital to introspect, much like during meditation, to identify the roots of your fear. Is it the fear of rejection, similar to a playwright fearing a silent audience, or the fear of not meeting expectations, akin to a chef’s anxiety over a new dish? Once identified, approach it with the wisdom of our ancestors: face it head-on. Embrace every customer interaction as an opportunity to learn and grow, just as we embrace every challenge in life with a Namaste.

F.E.A.R False Evidence Appearing Real (not original!) Build on your competence regarding your product or service. Shop the competition and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Do your homework and be prepared to present following your presentation plan.

In my experience, working with retail sales associates, the majority of them see their role as providing service and NOT primarily being a sales person. That is a recipe for disaster for a retail sales associate. At that key moment of truth when it is time to be assertive, taking a person through the sales process, most retail sales associates don’t feel comfortable in that situation. So, instead of changing how they feel about the situation, they change the situation! Meaning, they don’t try to close the deal

To cultivate assertiveness in the vibrant landscape of Indian retail, think of it as mastering the art of classical dance or a spirited debate. Start with clear communication, like the clarity of a sitar's strings, ensuring your voice carries the warmth of Indian hospitality. Practice active listening, akin to absorbing the intricate tales in our folk stories, showing genuine interest in your customers' needs. Set boundaries gracefully, much like the sacred rivers that flow with purpose, defining your professional space with respect. Assertiveness, like the peacock’s display, isn’t about overshadowing but about confidently presenting your true colors.

My goal for every presentation is to identify commonalities I share with the customer, find common ground, and establish a circle of trust. The presentation process is helping the customer make informed buying decisions to resolve a pain point they are experiencing. In the end, don't be afraid of getting uncomfortable. Ask For the Sale using trial closes all along the way. A compelling presentation leads more often than not, to the customer reaction "Let's do it!"

Maintain good eye contact without leering. Like looking at the bridge of the customer's nose. When you look away it should be to direct the customer's attention where you want it to be. Lastly do not to aggressively mirror your customer. Be gentle and wait a couple of beats to change your position.

Read, watch videos, and attend functions where where you pay to attend. Invest in yourself. Strive to learn ONE new thing every day.