Feel like it's a different answer for everyone, but I'm pretty sure I come across as self-conscious and kind of awkward in social interactions. Love sales though, so I really want to work on this.
How to improve your interpersonal skills?
11
CoorsKing
WR Officer
4
Retired King of the Coors Knights
Honestly it’s just practice. Identify what your weak areas are and work on them. It helps if you can get honest feedback from a mentor too.
There are some classes and trainings you can take too!
There are some classes and trainings you can take too!
BasstheBear
Opinionated
2
Business Development Representative
100 percent agree.
Something to add (which I think is strongly implied here by @BigMeech, if not out right said) is that you need to take an active role within conversations. Interpersonal skills are going to be hard, if not down right impossible, to develop by just listening and watching.
Also a good tip is to just not care what other people think. You won't interact with 99 percent of your prospects after you're done with your portion of the sales process so don't worry if you mess up.
Something to add (which I think is strongly implied here by @BigMeech, if not out right said) is that you need to take an active role within conversations. Interpersonal skills are going to be hard, if not down right impossible, to develop by just listening and watching.
Also a good tip is to just not care what other people think. You won't interact with 99 percent of your prospects after you're done with your portion of the sales process so don't worry if you mess up.
uncorpse
Politicker
0
Sales Development
Well said!
User1234567
Politicker
0
User1234567
Agreed this is a great post
letmeofferyouthis
Opinionated
0
SDR Trainee at Ramped Careers
Yeah a class would be interesting! Nice one.
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
1
War Room Enthusiast
Practice, practice, practice, the secret is to feel comfortable. The best way to feel confident is with practice. I used to be terrified of speaking in public, I practice with a teacher for a whole year and now I’m pretty good! (My hand still shakes though) but I’ve gone a long way!
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
Practice. Also learn to read body language and mirror those you are talking to. Listen. You'd be surprised how many aren't truly listening because they are thinking of the next question to ask.
Feds_Watchin
Politicker
0
AE
Repetition
NoSuperhero
Politicker
0
BDR LEAD
It's the father of learning.
Stratifyz
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Wanna become a master? Do it for 10,000 hours 😉
NoSuperhero
Politicker
0
BDR LEAD
Practice talking to people. Sure mistakes will be made, but who cares?
Also, alcohol or weed help free up some of the social anxiety so having a beer or smoking a bit before you head into a social place like a bar or party or whatever, you might want to loosen up first before you try talking to people.
I have major social anxiety so that helps a ton, also at parties I happen to be the quiet one who's just listening to people and normally wouldn't say a thing. Hahaha it's made listening my superpower, so yay!?!?
Also, alcohol or weed help free up some of the social anxiety so having a beer or smoking a bit before you head into a social place like a bar or party or whatever, you might want to loosen up first before you try talking to people.
I have major social anxiety so that helps a ton, also at parties I happen to be the quiet one who's just listening to people and normally wouldn't say a thing. Hahaha it's made listening my superpower, so yay!?!?
APalmoze
Good Citizen
0
Business Development
I don't know how your area is for covid restrictions, but if it's opened up again, and you're comfortable with it, try to see if there are any Meetsup events on Meetup dot com. If not, try to see if there are any virtual zoom events. I prefer the former, because in-person interactions are everything. So check them out!
I am in an Improv Meetup and a Public Speaking Meetup. Two great things for sales
I am in an Improv Meetup and a Public Speaking Meetup. Two great things for sales
SalesSage
Valued Contributor
0
National Account Manager
I agree with all the practice comments but I also think researching and learning about personality types and their preferred communication styles can help. If you know yourself and then can read the other person you can use a system to interact that is most apt to set them at ease and keep them attentive.
TheHypnotist
Executive
0
Sales Manager
Tips: study (and practice) some NLP, read a bit about transactional analysis.
Related posts
7
Which one do you think is more important?
53%
Soft skills
5%
Technical skills
39%
It's a tie between both
4%
Other
85 people voted
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