Can you believe we are already well into the second half of 2022? It looks much different than at the start of the year. Pandemic measures have eased, people have returned to the office, partially or fully, and it feels like we are almost back to pre-pandemic ways. 

As we all know, the one constant in life and our professional careers is change. Things continue to change and evolve at a rapid pace, especially in sales. Companies are now shifting out of pandemic operations mode and ramping up for the fall. For professionals in the industry, this means it’s time to sharpen up their sales skills. 

Our sales recruitment team has spoken to many sales professionals and employers over the past few months about what to expect in the second half of the year. Many are optimistic, even though there is talk of a minor recession. One thing is for sure—if you want to have success, you need to push forward and improve. With this in mind, here are 5 improvements salespeople should be making curated by our sales recruiters:

1. Be the subject matter expert

Your customers have options, lots of them. So, you need to give them a reason to choose you. An effective way to do this is to be their subject matter expert. Know what is happening in the industry, understand the issues your customers face, and be able to offer advice and solutions to help them. As sales headhunters, an easy red flag we watch for is salespeople who don’t have a command of their product knowledge.

2. Be a sales tech wiz

There are hundreds of apps and software programs that can make your life easier as a sales professional. But if you lack the tech skills to leverage these tools, they will do little for you. Sales reps can improve efficiency simply by learning how to implement the sales technology available to them. 

3. Master Zoom and other teleconferencing tools

Face-to-face and phone interactions with clients are being replaced with online video interactions. They are convenient and save time. Some of your customers prefer them. So, you’ll need to master these tools and integrate them as part of your sales process to better engage prospects. 

4. Just listen

It sounds simple, but too many sales professionals get caught up in pitching and trying to sell features and benefits. Never make assumptions about what your customers need. If you just take the time to actively listen and ask the right questions, your customers will tell you exactly what they need. Then all you have to do is act on what your customer is telling you. 

5. Improve your communication skills

You’ve heard this one repeatedly, but for a good reason. Your ability to communicate to your customers on the platform they prefer will help you build a trusting relationship with them. Always be looking for new ways to engage and communicate online, over the phone, or face to face. 

Mastering these skills will put you on a path to improving professionalism and meeting your year-end sales targets. Which sales skills are you going to prioritize to close out 2022?

Get More Sales Skills Advice From Our Sales Recruitment Team

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SalesForce Search is a sales recruitment agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals across North America. Hiring salespeople is tough. Only 55% meet their quota. Our proactive approach recruits talented salespeople before they hit the market. As North America’s leading sales headhunter we recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. To find your next sales rockstar, start your search here.