Looking forward to a career in sales? Here are top 5 soft skills that can help you land your dream job and give you a professional edge. 

Sales is the lifeblood of any business organization.

NO SALES - NO CUSTOMERS - NO PROFIT - NO BUSINESS !

It is the driving factor behind an organization's sustenance in the market and its growth. The sales profession begins with dealing with customers and converting them into sales. They play a vital role in bridging the gap between the demand of the customers and the products or services offered. However, it requires certain abilities and sales soft skills to add value to the business organization.

Sales professionals play a vital role in selling the products or services while ensuring customer/ client satisfaction. It does not merely end by making calls and delivering a sales pitch to potential customers. It is majorly about building long term relationship with the customers, taking a follow up and ensuring repeated sales.

Sales is required in every industry, in every organization!  The demand for sales professionals never goes down. This professional is suitable for any individuals at any career stage. Career in sales is an excellent option to pursue considering its diverse nature. It has uncapped earning potential with performance incentives and bonus apart from an excellent salary package. Above all, a career in sales is highly suitable for individuals who prefer flexible work timings and work-life balance.

However, pursuing a career in sales requires continuous skill development and mastering in-demand skills. This is necessary to thrive in today's technology driven & dynamic business environment.

Here are the top 5 soft skills that can give you a professional edge in your sales career:

Active listening skills -

Effective listening skills are the key component of sales conversions. Listen to the problems the customer / client is facing and what they hope to resolve. This skill supports critical thinking which in turn helps to understand the type of solution they are looking for. An effective sales person understands the problem and aligns that well with the product or service offered.

Negotiation Skills -

Negotiating with the customers / clients is a fickle part of closing a deal. It is necessary to develop a strong rapport with the customer/ client. Excellent negotiators value peaceful conversations and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Make your customer understand the value of the product or solution that is worth paying for. This requires significant service or product knowledge. The skill impr

            Effective listening skills are the key component of sales conversions. Listen to the problems the customer / client is facing and what they hope to resolve. This skill supports critical thinking which in turn helps to understand the type of solution they are looking for. An effective sales person understands the problem and aligns that well with the product or service offered.

oves with experience and practice.

Storytelling skills -

Storytelling isn't as complicated as it sounds! After all, no customer is expecting the hear the next Harry Potter story. It simply comes down to explaining the benefits or value of the product through a convincing story. Using real world examples to showcase the product or service is always a plus point. Last but not the least, keep your customers / clients constantly entertained. 

Did You know?

People consume 65 -70% of information via stories while only 5-10% consume through statistics or data presentation.

Selling With Empathy -

This word can be seen in almost every sales job description. What does it mean anyway? It implies the ability to step into the shoes of the other person. In other words, empathy encapsulates the situations of the client/ customer. A good sales person defines the product or solution through empathy.

Emotional Intelligence -

This skill is necessary to understand how much the prospective customer / client is willing to make an investment. It is to perceive the emotions of the customers/ clients through conversations. A good sales professional steers the conversation and finally converts the prospective customer into buyer.

3 Common Myths About 'soft Skills'

According to LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends in 2019, 91% of professionals consider soft skills as the most important skill.

Myth 1: Soft skills are not as important as hard skills.

Fact: 

This is a common misconception, as soft skills are just as important as hard skills when it comes to achieving success in the workplace. Hard skills, such as technical knowledge and expertise, are important for performing specific tasks, but they don't always translate to success in the broader scope of a career. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are essential for building relationships, collaborating with others, and adapting to new situations.

Myth 2: Soft skills are innate and cannot be developed.

FACT

Another myth about soft skills is that they are innate and cannot be developed. While some people may naturally possess certain soft skills, such as excellent communication or strong leadership abilities, most soft skills can be developed and improved through training and practice. For example, effective communication skills can be learned through workshops, role-playing exercises, and feedback from colleagues. 

Myth 3: Soft skills are only relevant for certain jobs.

FACT

A third myth about soft skills is that they are only relevant for certain jobs, such as customer service or human resources. However, soft skills are essential for success in any job, regardless of the industry or field. For example, strong problem-solving skills are critical for engineers and managers, while effective communication is important for salespeople and IT professionals.

In conclusion, soft skills are just as important as hard skills, can be developed and improved through training, and are relevant for all jobs, regardless of the industry or field. Employers often value soft skills just as much as technical skills, and they are considered essential for success in the workplace. It's crucial to understand and work on these skills as they can make a huge difference in a sales career. Among all, active listening, negotiation skills, storytelling, empathy and emotional intelligence can give you a professional edge in your sales career.

Considering a career in sales? Explore plenty of job openings with 2COMS Group and take your career forward. Don't forget to emphasize soft skills in your resume for sales jobs!