Depending on whom you talk to, there are many different words used to describe a sales person and their character. Some are flattering, while others are down right rude. Some are more descriptive than others, but generally speaking, adjectives used to define sales people focus on attitude, ability, action, and character.
Words like:
Committed, knowledgeable, dedicated, driven, passionate,
Enthusiastic, positive, insightful resilient, personable,
Consistent, creative, reliable. flexible, adaptable.
Dynamic, experienced, proven, accomplished, strategic.
And on and on . . . .
“What three words would you use to best define you as a sales person?”
Good question wouldn’t you say? Have you given it much thought?
I happened to be in a meeting the other day and I was asked this very question: “What three words would you use to best define you as a sales person?”
This is the type of question that might trip you up if you haven’t thought about it before. Fortunately, I have given it a great deal of thought and I recommend you do as well.
My three defining words: Integrity, Excellence, Experience
Why these three?
I believe that success comes through a combination of one’s personal integrity, a commitment to excellence, and their experience. Let me explain. . .
Integrity simply put, is a concept of consistency of actions, values, principles, and expectations. Your values and principles dictate the actions that you take and these actions define the expectations in the mind of your prospects and customers. (Consistency is the key). Integrity is at the heart and foundation of all successful business and personal relationships. People buy from people they know, like, and TRUST and without Integrity, trust is hard to come by.
Excellence can take on different meaning to different people. To me, excellence means continuously striving to be your best in every situation, whether in a professional or personal setting. Striving for excellence involves being committed, passionate, and dedicated to oneself in all of your pursuits. To quote Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.
Experience as a concept generally refers to know-how. As a tenured sales professional, I’ve had the good fortune to experience a variety of sales situations (including quite a few challenging ones), and I like to think I have the know-how. There is an old saying that, “Experience is the best teacher”, but even the best teachers will tell you that learning never stops. We should all be students of life, strive for innovation and improvement from both a professional and personal standpoint. This involves being dedicated in our resolve and at the same time being flexible enough to adapt to our ever-changing world.
There are literally hundreds of words that can be use to define oneself.
What words define you?
Please fell free to share your thoughts and perspectives.
Categories: Views / Opinions
Bruce Zimmerman . . . 
Great post Bruce. I really like your choice of words! You bring up a very excellent question, one I think all professionals should ask themselves from time to time. Identify your three words, and continue to measure yourself against them. My three would be Genuine, Relational and Adaptable.
Chris,
Thank you for your comments and for sharing your three words that define you. I especially like “Genuine”!