Do you know that most of you are in “The People Business?” Whether you are a hair stylist, a bank teller, a corporate executive, a direct sales consultant, a plumber, or many other professions, much of your success is predicated on your people skills.
Of course, talent is important. But in this day of Yelp reviews, social media and ratings of one’s performance in just about everything, one’s people skills are tantamount to ensuring that you will do a great job!
Let’s face it, we have all had to deal with that rude wait server. Or a store clerk that simply ignores you. And I hate to admit this, but how about that pushy direct sales consultant? What was our response? Often times we decided to simply not to do business with that person or that store.
As consumers, we have expectations. If we are ordering from Amazon, we expect to place the order and receive the order in a timely manner. If you are a Prime member (which most of us are), we expect free shipping and free returns. We don’t expect Jeff Bezos to send us a birthday card —although that would be a great touch! As evidence by their stock, Amazon has their business model down pat.
When you look at your profession, your first step is to determine the necessary people skills you have to possess. Presenting this rather simplistically, if you are in sales, you want to be friendly, knowledgeable, sincere and helpful. You want to “Show and Sell” not “Show and Tell.” There is a difference. When you “Show and Sell,” you are inviting someone to purchase your product by using value, appeal and/or comparison selling techniques.
If you are a plumber, you have to add in a factual component and perhaps also emphasize your past accomplishments to give your potential client a sense of confidence in your ability. But still remember, friendliness and sincerity are still essential. Of course, if someone’s toilet is leaking & spilling all over the place, they will take ANY plumber, but they may not ever use that person again.
If you are a hair stylist, you want to engage your client, get feedback and be attentive.
Last but not least, if you are in Direct Sales, another key ingredient is warmth, caring, and the “art of listening.”
As I look at the vast knowledge I have gained in my MANY years of experience, I want to share that with those of you who are business owners, Direct Sales Professionals, or women who want to make a difference in their life.
So, stay tuned because I will soon be announcing how you can become part of Tiffany’s Team of “Women Making Waves.”