What An Incredible Sales Team Looks Like
With marketplace competition becoming fiercer by the year, few resources are as valuable to a business as a well-oiled sales engine. The hard part, though? While most businesses have their own in-house sales teams, those that are able to bring together the most talented performers are much more likely to succeed and grow.
In order to see these kinds of results, it’s often beneficial to take a step back and consider what an effective, results-driven sales team actually looks like. That way, any effort you put forth isn’t in vain. Looking to build a team of champions strong enough to rival the likes of your fiercest foes? When all is said and done, the following is what you should see within your team:
Energy, Charisma and Drive
Both on a macro and micro scale, a successful sales team always transmits energy, charisma and drive in everything they do. And with good reason—not many things are nearly as contagious as genuine joy while at work. As your salespeople meet with potential clients, their enthusiasm and dedication for your brand will undoubtedly make the trip, as well.
Personable Personalities
Run-of-the-mill salespeople view their jobs like most everybody else—they get in, they get out and they get on with their lives. They’re mediocre, and it shows when they’re meeting with potential customers. They may not really want to be there. Even worse, the feeling is almost palpable. Exemplary sales teams, however, genuinely love meeting with people to understand how they can provide value, regardless of whether or not they become loyal customers. They work hard to build trust while pinpointing the areas they can deliver in and are successful because of it.
Goal-Oriented to the Max
It was famous yoga instructor Fred DeVito who once famously said, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” The kind of people you want on your sales team understand this and make a habit of setting structured goals to regularly push themselves. When sales performance is measured, it’s much more likely to improve. Naturally, the inverse is true, too. Simply put, the best of the best crave accountability and are happy to push themselves.
Integrity
Obviously, incredible sales teams are driving revenue at an alarming rate, but that’s not all they’re doing—they’re also following through with every promise they’ve ever made to potential customers. They take an authentic approach to solving problems for their customers, preferring to say, “I don’t know” or “let me see how we can accommodate” over making a half-hearted promise.
Conclusion
Having worked with my clients to solve their recruitment challenges for nearly two decades, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact an excellent sales staff can have on a company. More importantly, I’ve seen the aftermath when the right people aren’t in place.
That said, there’s plenty to be learned. So, in your opinion, what do the most talented sales teams look like? What do they have in common? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and feelings. As always, thanks for reading!
- Image Credit: Featured Image, stocksnap.io
Logistics and Customs Clerk at Western Marine PTE LTD.
8 年What a great and simple article spot on. Love it.
Managing Director @ Essential Talent | Keynote Speaker Management
8 年Nice
Owner at MACFAC LLC - Consultant/Coach/Mentor/Advisor/Entrepreneur
8 年Great article Amy. I'd add "Has a genuine interest in seeing others succeed". I specifically look for this trait in sales people that I hire. It helps me get a sense if they'll be a good teammate and if they actually care about the future client's best interest vs. just their individual pocketbook.
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8 年Peter Miles I agree, I refer to it as the "raw ingredients" or DNA. Understanding this, what's your approach to recruitment as you scale your sales team to avoid said order taker? Also, do you rely on inbound leads or does your team hunt for the business?
In my experience a lot of people who are in 'Sales' aren't actually sales people, they're order takers. Conversely a lot of people who aren't in 'Sales' are actually sales people. Some of the best sales people I've had in my businesses I have co-opted in from other areas. In one very notable case against her initial misgivings. She became a key part of our sales team, and has since gone on to build a very impressive career in the media business as a highly accomplished sales person. You can teach the mechanics of sales, but you need the essential personality traits and drive to allow the genuine sales person to emerge. It can be a fabulous career for the right person but an absolute nightmare for those who are unsuited to the role.