Being successful in sales is always a high priority for sales people, but, what exact characteristics can be found in a successful sale and salesperson? There are many different ones on top of core characteristics to take into consideration.

First, here are five steps for sales success:

1. Be a great listener

When initiating a sale, always listen to the customer and make them feel like they are an actual person and not just another number. 

2. Never strictly go by the script

While a sales pitch or script is good to have at hand, never strictly go by it when making a sale–this has the potential to just drive away the customer and make them annoyed.

3. Always ask questions, never force interaction

Let the customer feel special, ask about their wants and needs–get to know them and sell your product with questions, not with answers they don’t need.

4. Be persistent, but don’t overdo it

As with any professional, being persistent with goals is a great characteristic to have as it shows passion. However, being too persistent and losing out on other work can be hazardous.

5. Show value beyond price

Customers in all walks of life are going to be looking beyond price nowadays–as a salesperson, you must show the product at hand has great value beyond the price.

Always remember that your customers are people and should be treated as such. Every successful salesperson will always find a way to make the product relate to the customer, rather than repeating the same tired sales pitch then moving on to the next prospect. Patience will always win out before rushing a customer into buying something!

Dedication and hard work are also two major factors that define the key characteristics of how to be successful in sales. Much like number four on the list, persistence goes hand-in-hand with dedication and passion for the job. 

So, on top of the five tips, salespeople should also show: Dedication, passion, patience, and respect their customer as a person. That’s how anyone can learn to be successful in sales and really outshine the competition.