Stand Out or Step Aside: How to Differentiate Yourself when your in Sales

Sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about standing out in a sea of competition. Whether you're selling freight brokerage services or gourmet coffee, the key to success is differentiating yourself from the rest.

But here’s the twist: doing it in a way that’s fun, memorable, and authentic. Ready to stand out like a neon sign in the desert?

Here are five effective tips to make sure you’re the salesperson people remember – for all the right reasons.

1. Be the Person, Not the Pitch

Nobody likes the relentless salesperson who’s all about the pitch and not the person. Instead, build real relationships. Be genuinely curious about your prospects, their business, and what drives them. Listen more, talk less. Quote: “Sales is not about selling anymore, but about building trust and educating.” – Siva Devaki, Co-Founder of MassMailer.

2. Show Your Personality

Boring doesn’t sell. Infuse your unique personality into every conversation. Whether you’re the witty one-liner type or the empathetic listener, let your authentic self shine through. People do business with people, not robots.

3. Create Value Before You Even Ask for the Sale

Instead of jumping straight into selling, show how you can make their life better – for free! Share insights, give helpful advice, and solve small problems without expecting anything in return. You’ll build trust, and when they’re ready to buy, you’ll be the first person they think of.

4. Master the Follow-Up, But Make It Fun

A great follow-up is an art form, but it doesn’t have to be stiff. Skip the generic “just checking in” emails and get creative. Did they mention they love dogs? Send a funny dog meme. The point is to remind them that you’re there without sounding like a broken record.

5. Be the Broker of “No Problems”

Smooth, seamless, zero-hassle sales interactions – that’s your goal. Be proactive, anticipate client needs, and solve problems before they even arise. The less friction your client experiences, the more they’ll trust you.

Don’t just sell a product or service. Sell yourself as the most reliable, personable, and solution-driven salesperson they’ve ever met. People buy from those they trust and enjoy interacting with. Be memorable, be valuable, and most importantly – be you.

Top 10 Prospecting & Networking Ideas

1. Offer valuable insights on LinkedIn before reaching out for a sale.
2. Attend industry-specific events and actually engage – don’t just collect business cards.
3. Follow up with a unique, personalized email after every interaction.
4. Use humor to break the ice during cold calls or emails.
5. Turn small talk into business talk – find common ground first.
6. Collaborate on projects or content with potential clients to build rapport.
7. Ask for referrals after a successful deal; nothing builds trust like word of mouth.
8. Use video messages to make your follow-ups more personal and engaging.
9. Send a “just thinking of you” message, even when you’re not selling.
10. Join industry groups on social media to connect with decision-makers in a low-pressure setting.

"Success in sales comes down to one thing: relationships. Build them authentically, and the sales will follow." – Lori Richardson, CEO of Score More Sales.

Sales isn’t just a numbers game – it’s a people game. Differentiate yourself by being the one who’s not just selling, but actually helping, connecting, and caring.

When you focus on building relationships instead of pushing products, you create long-term success. So go ahead, show the world why you're not just another salesperson, but the salesperson they can’t live without.

At Branded with Honor, we don’t just teach sales in our newsletter; we show you how to become a sales rockstar in your industry with bite sized tips on Marketing yourself as a industry leader.

With these proven methods, you’ll learn how to build;

• Authentic relationships
• Prospect like a pro
• Close deals like never before

Ready to take your sales game to the next level? Subscribe to Branded with Honor? to take your sales and marketing to the next level ??