8 Mistakes Salespeople Make and How to Avoid Them
It’s a quiet Friday afternoon, I am sitting alone in my living room looking through my window without the blinds, my street is quiet because I guess everyone is out to work and my house is quite because my kids are off to school before the one week midterm holiday that starts next week.
My wife is off to work and grocery shopping for our family. Hahaha guess I am a stay at home dad!
Now i write a letter to you, I hope you find it useful.
In sales, I see new and old salespeople make these 8 mistakes, but before I dive in, looking to go even deeper, subscribe to the paid version of THE FOH LETTERS, where you’ll get exclusive content, monthly live sessions, and more to help you reach your sales potential. As a limited-time bonus, new subscribers will receive access to my 8-hour course Make Sales in 5 Days—a step-by-step approach to leveling up your sales game.
Let’s jump into it.
1. Not Knowing Your Ideal Customer Persona (ICP)
Understanding your ICP is important. The legendary copywriter Gary Bencivenga said that to excel in marketing, “Be the fish, not the fisherman.” The fisherman just wants to catch fish, but the fish understands its own needs and environment. When you truly understand your customers’ pain points and dreams, you can present your product as their perfect solution.
Ask yourself: Do you truly know your customers? Their hopes, fears, aspirations etc
2. Lack of Daily Customer Contact
Sales is a contact sport—the more people you contact, the greater your chances of making a sale. Are you reaching out to new prospects every day? It could be a call, text, DM, or even an Instagram ad. Consistent connection drives consistent sales.
Reflection: Did you reach out to someone today? Did you text someone to buy from you today?
3. Poor Follow-Up
In my first corporate sales gig with GT Bank, follow-up was everything. I followed up on the then head of training in GT BANK Mr. Funso Tooki for one year before I got the sales training job.
4. Your Cousins
Sales doesn’t stand alone. Its “cousins” are marketing, copywriting, branding, and packaging. How are you presenting yourself? Dress well, package yourself thoughtfully, and craft a professional presence that attracts serious clients.
5. Inconsistent Marketing Strategy
Marketing is about repetition and reaching a larger audience. You can’t post on social media only when you feel like it. Set a strategy and stick to it. Consistent visibility keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Example: Coca-Cola doesn’t take breaks, so why should you? If you fear judgment, remember, your friends won’t be the ones feeding you when times are tough.
6. Failing to Practice and Invest in Tools
Are you prepared for every sales pitch? Do you invest in tools that improve your presentations? I’ve got lighting in my studio because I believe in putting my best foot forward. Preparation and practice build confidence and success.
7. Lack of Hunger and Ambition
A strong drive is essential for sales success. I write down my goals daily and keep a vision board to stay motivated. Sales demands ambition and resilience.
Challenge: Write down your goals every day, and let your ambition fuel your actions.
8. Ignoring the Spiritual Side of Sales
Sales is about connection, and that requires more than just skill—it’s also spiritual. Do you pray, meditate, or visualize your success? Calling clients by name and envisioning your success helps align you with your goals.
These are just some of the mistakes that can derail sales efforts. If you found this helpful, subscribe to the paid version of THE FOH LETTERS. As a paid subscriber, you’ll get:
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