Top Salesman are they born or created?

Here is an interesting topic that probably has been brought up before. I know a large part of sales is attitude and ability, some of which i think is natural. Obviously you can train people to sell but, i think there are certain abilities that top salesman naturally know. What do you all think?

Imo, top salespeople are created.

I think knowledge of the product and some sales tips are learned but, i read some where that most "top salesman" do not use a uniform system of questions etc, they go off instinct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyMaker

I think knowledge of the product and some sales tips are learned but, i read some where that most "top salesman" do not use a uniform system of questions etc, they go off instinct.

Instinct is valuable. It's value lies in that it suggests to the salesperson which strategies of many to use with any given prospect or any given situation. Strategies are "bodies of knowledge" and therefore, can be learned. So any strategy, whether we read about it in a book or invent it ourselves, can be quantified. It is from that analysis and quantification that we can learn strategies from other people. Wouldn't it be great to learn every possible strategy for every possible prospect in every possible situation? Of course it would (but that's not likely!).

Personalities, on the other hand, are difficult to change. It is unlikely that an introverted person will become extroverted in the future., for instance. Those traits are somewhat like our fingerprints: their unique combination makes up the core of our personality.

At least that's my opinion! Others, please share your opinions!

Skip Anderson

I think there are certain natural abilities a salesperson is born with, no difference that an athlete.

Speaking abilites, charm, personality are things that are not easy to teach. You either have them or you don't. Product knowledge, selling skills, closing techniques can be taught, and with practice, a salesperson can learn how to sell with a degree of proficiency.

Salespeople who can sell anything to anyone, these individuals have a talent that I think is special. It's like stand-up training. Some people feel very comfortable standing up in front of large groups and providing a motivational seminar, and some don't. You may be able to learn how to speak in front of large groups, but unless you have that special talent inside, it may not come across as well.

Both!

MitchM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Whitty

I think there are certain natural abilities a salesperson is born with, no difference that an athlete.

Speaking abilites, charm, personality are things that are not easy to teach. You either have them or you don't. Product knowledge, selling skills, closing techniques can be taught, and with practice, a salesperson can learn how to sell with a degree of proficiency.

Salespeople who can sell anything to anyone, these individuals have a talent that I think is special. It's like stand-up training. Some people feel very comfortable standing up in front of large groups and providing a motivational seminar, and some don't. You may be able to learn how to speak in front of large groups, but unless you have that special talent inside, it may not come across as well.

I agree with you. I was in a 2 week course where I basically find out what career path I should take based of my skills and abilities. And of course "Sales" was at the top based on my leadership skills, persuasive skills, independence, assertiveness, and much more. I don't believe a shy, small voiced person would be a top salesman... My mom and other people I know that have tried the sales world didn't succeed because of they're personality.

Most of the good sales people I know have one thing in common: the ability to ask good questions and really LISTEN to people.

Susan

I'd say, "Salesmen (and women) are born. TOP salesmen (and women) are created."

I don't think it's one or the other. It's a combination of both. You can be trained on Selling 101, but you also need that "go getter" attitude to be successful.

Top Salesman are they born or created?

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