Traits and Characteristics of Top Salespeople

What do you think are the basic traits or characteristics of a professional salesperson?

For instance:
1. Image
2. Enthusiasm
3. Product Knowledge
4. Empathy -SpeedRacer

I would also add something about "authority." IMO, you have to come across as knowing what you're talking about. -Mikey

Are you asking about the traits or characteristics desired by customers? -Houston

No. I was referring to the common traits or characteristics that professional salespeople share. -SpeedRacer

How about "Thick Skin"? :p -VB-Hack

I think that confidence is another trait that most professional salespeople have. -Doc MC

I would add "Proactive" to the list. ;) -Mikey

I would throw in something about a "Positive Attitude." When I say "Positive Attitude" what I mean is the opposite of a "p-i-s-s-y" attitude, if you know what I mean. ;) -Newbie

RELENTLESSLY pleasant! :D -RainMaker

Sales Aptitude and Intuition. :cool: -SalesGuy

How do you define "professional salesperson"?

Do you mean successful salesperson or committed to the profession, or something else? The term, "sales professional" is so widely used today, its meaning has become vague.

I think the traits would vary according to how you would define the term. -Gary Boye

I guess that is kind of vague. :o

If there is one thing I've learned from this forum it is that words carry different meanings for different people. ;)

I'll change the question to, "What do you think are the basic traits or characteristics of a highly productive salesperson?" -SpeedRacer

Traits?

Personality traits vary greatly among top performers in sales. It's extremely difficult to pinpoint any commonality. Perhaps it's impossible.

Common character traits are more observable. Two come to mind: A willingness to help others when asked--and--they keep their promises.

The most observable differences among the very top producers are these:

• They act as the CEO's of their own businesses, in accordance with their own business choices and business decisions.
• In their group or company, and among their peers, they function within their own infrastructure.
• They pursue dominancy. They become accountable for an inordinate movement of product in their particular arena and environment. They don’t just sell more. They sell an overwhelming amount more than their peers.

-Gary Boye

Among others; confident, honest and a willingness to be of service. -Bulldog