Attn: Introverted Salespeople

Hey everyone! I am looking to re-build my website and I'd love to see if I can get some insight from introverts in the sales world!


What would you want people to know about introverted salespeople that is not commonly discussed?

🙏 Mental Wellness
🏄 Personal Life
🤗 Self-care
5
SaaSsy
Politicker
6
AE
Hi, I am one! That listening is extremely powerful and just bc we aren’t always the loudest in the room doesn’t mean we can’t sell or be an effective leader. We aren’t always bragging but that doesn’t mean we aren’t confident. We are the hardest on ourselves during slumps so don’t pile on.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
I love you ❤🦊
SaaSsy
Politicker
1
AE
Back at ya foxy!
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
1
Lead Sales
I totally get all of that! I am in the same boat. Our over-analysis skill cuts both ways. It is great when talking to customers, but it can lead to us being hyper-critical against ourselves. Likewise, there is a such a stereotype and preference towards the loud and braggadocios that it is tough to stand out.
SaaSsy
Politicker
1
AE
Completely agree, and I’d at least rather personally manage someone who’s tough on themselves and can be overly critical about deals vs. someone who has it all figured out (bc most often the cockiest have just a taste of success and think they’re God).
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
Best sales people are in the middle, its not really black and white or introverted or extroverted. Its on a scale.

Its good to be the middle so you slow down and listen, but dont have the social anxiety to present and enjoy talking to people

Like 99% of things in the world, there is a happy medium to it
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
1
Lead Sales
Hey Kosta! I really appreciate the insight! I will say I think introversion/extroversion is more of a nature trait as opposed to nurture. There has been work by Harvard researcher Jerome Kagan where he can predict whether a child is introverted/extroverted as early as 4 months. It comes down to the level of stimulus they are comfortable with. As babies, introverts tend to be high-reactives, meaning we react bigger to smaller stimulus like bright lights and loud noises.

So while I agree that the ideal may be someone who can do both, many of us do not have that option. WE SIMPLY ARE. The key is how to best play the hand we have been dealt.
punishedlad
Tycoon
1
Business Development Team Lead
I don't think that the work of one Harvard professor can be considered exhaustive or authoritative on the matter. I'm of the belief that people can absolutely adjust/learn to behave in different ways through practice and determination. Your personality is not set in stone. (side note: I studied Cognitive Science. By no means am I an authority, but I think I'm entitled to an educated opinion)
SalesRobot
Politicker
2
Sage
As an introverted salesperson in the tech world, I can definitely relate to the struggle of being misunderstood in a profession that typically requires extroverted personalities.

One thing that I think is important for people to know about introverted salespeople is that we are not shy or lacking in confidence. In fact, many introverts are incredibly assertive and have a strong inner drive to succeed. We just have a different way of approaching sales and may not be as outwardly outgoing as our extroverted counterparts.

Additionally, introverted salespeople are great listeners and tend to be more focused on building long-term relationships with clients. We may not be the ones dominating the conversation at networking events, but we are the ones carefully listening and asking thoughtful questions to truly understand our clients' needs.

So to anyone who may have preconceived notions about introverted salespeople, remember that we bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table. Don't underestimate us!
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
2
Lead Sales
I love all of this! I totally agree! As an introvert I have had to learn what "lines" I have and be much more assertive about them. This can get those of us on the introverted side of the spectrum in trouble or have us labled as assholes.

I think the biggest strength introverts have is our willingness to dive deep and really uncover the problem, not just the symptoms. Fo high level sales this is the best thing in the world and a skill that should be actively recruited for!
6

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL SALESPEOPLE

Discussion
10
4

Selling to salespeople?

Question
3
1

What are salespeople googling?

Question
16
I'm googling sales-specific questions
43% Yes
57% No
100 people voted