Want 3 surefire ways to nail your sales skills? Try these solutions.
Try my top tips, and you’ll be ready to step up your communication skills with greater clarity, persuasion, and influence in any conversation.
P.S. When you do this, your communication skills take a leap too.
Imagine this:
You’re in a leadership role, but you don’t pitch accounts. BUT, you talk with clients, colleagues, and executive leaders every day. Or, you’re newer in business development and eager to hone your skills.
Now, imagine nailing those all-important sales skills.
When we focus on “selling,” we often panic, rush, or forget what we planned to say. But sales skills aren’t just for salespeople, they’re essential for any leader. Here are three ways to boost yours:
1. Everybody sells
Early in my career, my favorite mentor leaned in over coffee and said, “Here’s the secret: everybody sells.”
I nearly sputtered: “But I’m not in a sales role! I don’t do pitches!”
He smiled. “Ah, but you’re a leader. You communicate with your peers, clients, and team every day.”
Sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about influencing, pitching ideas, and guiding teams.
2. Rehearsal is the ticket
Role-play your pitch. You can’t beat the value of rehearsal.
Recently, a colleague asked me to sit in on a quick pre-meeting for a pitch.
“Well, she doesn’t have time to actually rehearse, but that’s okay. Jenny’s not a salesperson, after all. But she knows all about the project!”
The truth? Jenny had thought about the meeting—in her head.
Instead, try role-playing first. Saying your words out loud helps you test if your message flows naturally and makes an impact.
I work with clients on how to make the most out of rehearsing. Writing something out is one thing, but hearing how it sounds is critical. I use this tactic myself—it really works.
3. Know your customer
Experts say over 80% of professionals don’t truly know their customers.
When I worked with a high-energy leader, he often had only minutes for a meeting.
The lesson? I had to know exactly what he needed to hear. If I wasn’t prepared, I’d lose him.
Want to transform the way you communicate and lead that drive team results?
Let’s make it happen. Contact me at Shannon@LeadersExceed.com or book a complimentary discovery call on Calendly.
Written by Shannon Alter, CPM
With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and commercial real estate management, Shannon Alter has successfully applied her leadership strategies to help businesses thrive on a global scale. Read more.