People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
English poet, critic, and lexicographer
With contact comes opportunity... and hopefully, sales manners.
Check yourself and your team on the manners points that follow.
Learn something you may have forgotten (or never knew).
Help the sales world stay kind.
(and pass it on)
attention
- Give your complete attention to the person with whom you’re talking (in appointments, at an event, in a meeting, anywhere). Avoid being distracted by other happenings in the room, cell phones, and other personal devices.
- Listen with the intent to understand rather than to respond. No interrupting and include small gaps of silence before responding.
general
- Always say "please" when asking for something (or for someone to do something).
- Always say "thank you" when someone gives you something or does something for you.
- Avoid using profanity.
- Send handwritten notes of thanks when appropriate (e.g., for meetings, business, referrals, etc.). Email, IMs, and text messages are the least you can do... literally.
appointments & meetings
- Arrive early (3 - 5 minutes).
- Greet people with a smile and a firm handshake.
- Risk overdressing rather than underdressing (not to be confused with no dressing).
- Avoid sharing your personal challenges.
- Keep on schedule for the time allotted.
- Do not chew gum.
- Leave people with a smile and a firm handshake.
trade shows
- Be approachable (in posture and presence – avoid hands in pockets, arms crossed,
frowns, etc.). - Stand and smile when people are close to or in your space. Do not sit.
- Avoid small talk with team members that could keep someone from approaching you.
- Avoid sharing your personal challenges (e.g., fatigue, low show attendance, etc.).
- Greet people with a smile and a firm handshake.
- Do not eat or chew gum while working on the floor.
other areas of sales manners
at the office - on the phone - voice mail - email
dining - entertainment - life
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