We all know the most important selling skill because we hear it all the time. In fact, I attended a high school graduation this week and, sure enough, the keynote speaker addressed this critically important component of success in any endeavor.
The most important selling skill is simple, it’s simply showing up. You want to show up in front of your customers, prospects and peers, Depending on who you talk to this is 80% – 90% of success in any field, but it is especially important when it comes to sales.
80% of success is showing up. – Woody Allen
There is obviously more to being a success but don’t discount the wisdom in this saying. A lot of people simply don’t show up where and as often as they need to be there to win. To take advantage of this selling skill you need to be sure you:
Always show up at the sales call, the audition or the meeting. Simply being there and available sends a powerful message because you will be viewed as a resource. The job or the contract doesn’t always go to the most qualified, it goes to the person who is the most available and willing. You need this person to be you.
Showing up is even more critical in a tough economy because many of your competitors simply won’t bother, usually because they don’t think it’s worth the trouble.
Next time, the second most important selling skill.
