Anyone can become a Sales Talent overnight!... Here are 5 simple exercises to get you there

The purpose of this article is to help sales professionals in any sector of industry achieve a higher degree of success. A lot of us have a desire to be successful and talented at what we do, but sometimes, a little support is needed.

You're correct if you think that sales talent is not solely determined by innate abilities. While some individuals may possess certain traits that lend themselves well to sales, becoming a highly successful salesperson is, in my view, in everyone's grasp.

Let's embark on a 5 steps journey with the aim of helping you transform your sales career and surpass all your expectations.

Step 1. Define your own meaning of 'Sales Talent'

When you deal with the unknown, the most important thing you can do is work out your own ideal destination. Without knowing what you are aiming for, your chances of success will be poor, to say the least. You may get completely lost or it will take you years to get there.

Exercise 1. Ask yourself... what is my definition of sales talent? What kind of person do I need to become in order to thrive as a top performer in my organisation?

When I do this exercise with executives and sales teams, here are some words that often make the top 10 list... Result-driven, charismatic, resilient, influential, adaptable, goal-oriented, curious, strategic, self-confident, proactive, relationship-builder, self-motivated, and growth-mindedness.

There isn't a one size fits all definition. Your definition of 'sales talent' is only unique to your perspective and experiences. It should encapsulate the qualities and skills you believe are critical for your success. Note that it may evolve as you continue to grow and learn.

Pause here. Take a little time to come up with your own definition.

By doing this simple exercise, you will establish the 'What?' ... now we need to turn your attention to the 'Why?'

Step 2. Establish the reasons 'Why' becoming a sales talent is important to you

Take it from me... Finding your "why" in sales is hugely important if you want to get to your ultimate destination.

Identifying and understanding the underlying motivations and purpose behind your career in sales can be the missing ingredients to achieving greater success.

When you have a clear sense of 'why' you are pursuing a career in sales and what you are set to win as a result, you create enough motivation, focus, passion, and energy to keep you going without ever having to stop.

Here are some steps to help you discover your "why":

1. Consider your core values. What is important to you in your professional life? Work out how your role in sales aligns with those values and how it allows you to make an impact.
2. Explore what aspects of sales you are genuinely passionate about. Is it the process of building relationships, solving problems, or helping customers achieve their goals?
3. Reflect on your broader purpose and long-term life objectives. How your career in sales fits into them.
4. Reflect on the positive impact you can have on others. Whether it's solving their problems, meeting their needs, or helping them achieve their goals.
5. Consider how a sales career can support your personal growth and build a happy life. What would it help you achieve that is truly meaningful to you?

Your "why" may evolve over time as you gain more experience and insights. Continuously revisiting and refining your understanding of your purpose and personal motivations will empower you and inspire you to grow and help others do the same.

Exercise 2. Go through this exercise. Come up with 2 or 3 inspired goals for yourself before moving on and write them down. Keep it in a safe place.

Step 3. Empower yourself by asking the right questions

Tony Robbins once said: "The quality of your life?is a?direct?reflection of?the quality?of the?questions you?are?asking yourself "

Think about this. Isn't it empowering to grasp that your sales outcomes can literally start to change overnight by simply asking yourself the right questions?

There is another popular quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer that I invite you to reflect upon.

The quote is “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Here is the thing... what sort of questions do you need to ask yourself on a daily basis to turn your ambitions into an amazing reality?

Becoming curious about what you don't know is an essential mindset for personal and professional growth.

By cultivating a mindset of curiosity and actively seeking knowledge and experiences beyond your current understanding, you will unlock new possibilities, expand your horizons, and continuously grow.

Here is the deal! Simply ask yourself the following questions and listen to the inner voice of reason. You will be provided with insights on potential solutions and strategies that are exactly what you need at this time.

Excercise 3. Get ready to answer the following questions. Listen to the first answer that comes to your mind. Write those down.

1. What do I need to learn right now to continuously stay updated with sales techniques and industry trends?
2. How can I improve my mindset and skill set to deliver outstanding results?
3. What do I need to know about my target market and customer needs?
4. How can I improve my time management and productivity?
5. How can I consistently achieve my sales target consistently?
6. What would it take for me to improve my communication and listening skills?
7. What actions can I take to expand my customer base exponentially?
8. How can I go about building stronger relationships with my customers?
9. How can I be more effective at driving repeat business and referrals?
10. How can I become more resilient in the face of rejection or setbacks?

By honestly trying to answer this type of question, you cannot help but generate your own insights and perfect answers. No one can do this but you.

What must follow is obvious. It is your ability to take action.

And your ability to take action is directly linked to step two! If you lack commitment and motivation at this point, go back to review your goals and your 'Why'.

4. Set your own Key Performance Indicators to assess and cultivate your Talent Mindset

You will be well on your way to becoming a sales elite from here on. However, the risk of getting lost is always real. You must protect yourself. and you do this by periodically stopping to make sure you are on the right track.

Exercise 4. Rate yourself from 1 [low] to 10[high]. Figure out your gaps. And reflect on the actions you feel you need to take to be more effective in each area.

1. Positive Attitude: I maintain a positive and resilient attitude, even in the face of challenges or setbacks
2. Growth Mindset: I consistently learn, embrace feedback, and continuously find ways to improve my mindset and skill set
3. Emotional Intelligence: I build strong relationships, navigate difficult conversations, and manage conflicts successfully
4. Resilience and Perseverance: I handle rejection, setbacks, and adversity very well
5. Adaptability and Agility: I adapt to changing customer needs and market conditions and quickly respond to emerging opportunities
6. Customer-Centricity: I build trust and provide value by placing clients' interests at the forefront of my sales efforts
7. Continuous Improvement: I am 110% committed to continuous learning and self-improvement
8. Leadership and Collaboration: I collaborate and foster a positive team culture to help drive collective success
9. Results-Oriented: I know how to consistently exceed my sales targets

By completing this exercise, you will undoubtedly surface new possibilities for change.

Answer this to help you set your priorities: Given only two options, which areas represent your biggest opportunities for growth at this time and Why?

Self-reflect by committing to a few actions you intend to take to improve and grow.

The last step is no less important.

5. Become accountable to yourself and stay on track

From now on, you must develop an ability to hold yourself accountable. There is no other option if you ultimately want to take full control of your destiny and outcomes.

Self-accountability is a key factor in your long-term success because it will help you to:

• Overcome obstacles by adapting to change.
• Maintain consistent progress toward achieving your goals.
• Build the foundation for sustainable growth and achievement in both your personal and professional life.

If you completed all previous steps, self-accountability becomes a lot easier.

Exercise 5. Have a look at this checklist. Can you tick every box?

1. I have a well-defined set of goals and 'why' they truly matter to me
2. I create and keep creating purposeful weekly action plans to help me reflect learn, adapt, and reset actionable tasks consistently
3. I track my KPI and assess myself consistently to adjust my mindset and activities accordingly based on what my priorities are
4. I keep my discipline, consistency, and motivation because I know who I want to be, what my purpose is, where I am heading, and why I am heading that way.
5. I renew my self-commitment by periodically acknowledging my progress and celebrating my achievements.

By continuously committing yourself to hone and refine your mindset and sales skills, you will differentiate yourself and become a huge asset not only to your organisation but to your teammates too.

One more thing...

Being recognised as a sales talent takes time, dedication, and consistent effort. It requires delivering exceptional results, continuously learning, and building strong relationships. Stay focused and become passionate about your personal and professional growth. Strive to exceed expectations in all aspects of your sales career.

Remember, it is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to ongoing growth.

I coach executives and teams on this topic periodically. If this is something you are interested in, do get in touch.