Management Tip of the Day: 3 Traits Essential to Being a Good Salesperson

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 29, 2011 3 Traits Essential to Being a Good Salesperson Most successful salespeople can't tell you what it is that sets them apart. That's because they're likely doing what comes naturally. Here are three attributes that top salespeople share: Modesty. Contrary to the stereotype that salespeople are pushy and arrogant, the best are actually quite modest and humble. They win sales by putting the customers first, as opposed to establishing themselves as the focal point of the sale. Curiosity. Top salespeople have a hunger for knowledge and information. This lets them stay focused during sales calls and drives them to ask inquisitive questions. Lack of self-consciousness. The best salespeople are comfortable fighting for their causes. They're action-oriented and unafraid to go high up in their accounts or courageously cold call new prospects. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Seven Personality Traits of Top Salespeople" by Steve W. Martin. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Guide to Getting the Right Work Done HBR OnPoint Collection Struggling to get to—much less complete—your most important work? Leaving your job most days exhausted but with little to show for it? Overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and endless e-mails? Plagued by procrastination? Use this guide to learn how to accomplish more of the right work more efficiently by eliminating endless "urgent" tasks, delegating effectively, preventing procrastination, writing to-do lists that work, and renewing your energy with simple rituals. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS How to Truly Unplug on Your Vacation 3 Ways to Spot a Liar Identify and Stop Workplace Bullying 3 Characteristics of a Real Team 3 Tips for Surviving Work Travel Defy the "Always On" Mindset Good Enough is Better than Great IT 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends 3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate 3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)