What Personal Characteristics Do Salesmen Possess

What qualities, characteristics, attitudes and abilities make up the effective salesman? There are many kinds of selling jobs which require different types of salesmen but in fact there is no such thing as one ideal sales personality. In general, when choosing young men for sales work, sales managers usually look for personality rather than for specialized training. They believe that the most important factor leading to success in selling is "Character". I remember last time before I enter in the world of selling, I have no experience at all and don’t even know how to deal and mingle with people, my real purpose is just to earn money and get a job instantly. But with determination and eagerness to learn drives me to work hard to develop my skills in dealing with different kinds of people.
Broadly speaking, personality elements that seem to be important in selling require Intelligence. If one is to deal with prospects that have reached a position of prominence or must make complicated computations, he will do better if his IQ is high. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the salesman needs to be quick-witted. He has to think fast on his feet.
Another thing that he must possess is the ability to interact, know how to say or do the right thing in a social situation that facilitates the social intercourse between the parties presented. He must be a tactful man who has the knack of putting others at their ease. He never says or does anything to wound the sensibilities of another.
Salesman should be dependable. He must make a good on his promise. When he says he can deliver the product at a given period of time, he has to make sure that he can make it. This sales personality is related to honesty, integrity which is a foundation of building a good relationship with customers.
A good salesman is in control of sales situation. Though he may allow the prospect to do most of the talking, still they are speaking of what the salesman desires and he has matters well in hand. In selling, dominance is not achieved by force but rather by behavior that clearly establishes in the prospect’s mind that the salesman is the master of his area of competence; he knows what he is talking about.
Few young people have much confidence in themselves, they haven’t had the experience yet on which to base it but self confidence is developed as you gain experience and learn that you are able to do what has to be done. As you learn your trade and acquire experience, you can handle whatever problem is cast in your path.
Last but not the least that every salesman must have is determination. If you have strong will to succeed, to make good in every endeavor to take, you will certainly become a top flight player and successful in selling.