There is a secret to successful sales most people don’t know. It’s something I learned a long time ago, and it helped me not only in business, but in every area of my life. In my years of training people in business and career development, I have seen a lot of people grasp this concept and really propel them toward success.

First, you have to realize everyone is in sales. That goes for doctors, teachers, musicians, mechanics, job-seekers, employees, receptionists, housekeepers and parents. That includes YOU! Even if you’re not an entrepreneur or in a “sales position,” you are in sales!

You sell something every minute of every day, whether you realize it or not. You constantly sell to your kids, your spouse, your boss, your colleagues, your employees and your customers. Every time you open your mouth, every time you post on Facebook, every time you speak to your kids, every time you walk into your office, people are deciding whether or not they will listen to you, follow you and do business with you.

Do you see how this works? A parent sells their kids on cleaning their rooms or eating their vegetables. You may sell your spouse on taking your dream vacation or changing your family budget. In a job interview, you are selling yourself to the employer. And if you are in business, you’d better be selling!

The problem is, most people don’t realize they ARE in sales. That’s why so many people suck at it!

If you want to get paid like a professional, you must become a professional. Anybody can be an amateur salesperson – you know, the slimy used car salesman, or the person who keeps trying to sell you lipstick or lotions or potions or gadgets. But nobody wants to work with those people or listen to what they have to say. Being an amateur is a major turn-off!

Anyone CAN be a professional in sales. But 98% of the population won’t step up to get the skills they need to do it. It takes skill to become a professional and to increase your value.

Professionals share some very simple and specific characteristics. Again, this goes for your business, career, home, family and community! (Keep in mind, this is a partial list – this is, by NO means, a complete list.) 

A professional:

• Knows the value of relationships. It’s not just about you alone making a sale or closing a deal – it’s about creating mutually-beneficial relationships.
• Always works with excellence and diligence.
• Is not afraid of problems and does not wait for someone else to solve their problems.
• Lives in a results-oriented economy. They do not think in terms of being paid hourly… they get paid for results.
• Goes the extra mile.
• Has honor and integrity.
• Is a big-picture thinker and self-motivated.
• Is not afraid to get their hands dirty.
• Is constantly looking for opportunities to fill a need.
• Is always seeking solutions.
• Knows the importance of following up and following through.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the level of your sales skills in business? At work? At home? With your kids? In your marriage? I really encourage you to think about this today. Take some time to rate yourself in each area. The truth is, we can all improve in this skill.

My friend, do not become another amateur horror story! Do not be one of those sales people, chasing people down with your slimy sales pitch and your brochure of “101 Reasons You Need To Buy XYZ.” Do not be one of those constantly trying to push your agenda or shove your product, service or ideas down people’s throats. We’ve all known those people, and let’s be honest – we all avoid them like the plague!

If you want to master sales and become a true professional in your field, whether that might be running a business, teaching, being a doctor or mechanic, parenting or anything in between, you must master the skills. Like I said, this skill has proven to be extremely valuable in every area of my life, and in many of my clients’ lives as well. So I would highly recommend taking the time to learn the skills to push you beyond amateur status and into a professional level.

My friend, I believe in you! I know you are fully capable of crossing over from amateur to professional. And I can’t wait to watch you succeed!

Would you mind doing me a favor today? Would you send this message to your friends, family, coworkers and business partners today? I know you are probably a really good, professional salesperson. But let’s face it – there are a LOT of people you and I know who really need to read this message today. So just go ahead and forward this message and post the link on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get the message out there! Then, let me know what YOU are “selling,” in the comments below.

Please remember to join me today for The Dani Johnson Show to gain more insights and inspiration for your life. You can find the show on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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