We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
We are selling pieces of ourselves every day. The trick is getting people to buy those pieces, and the truth is that nothing happens until you’re successful at getting people to buy. We’re all in sales whether we like it or not. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a manager, doctor, teacher, or student.
Every day we spend most moments trying to persuade others around us to buy our product, our services, our proposals, or merely accept what we say and use our ideas. Some people are better at selling than others, and that’s because before we become influencers to those around us, we must first become comfortable with selling ourselves.
Here are ten simple steps to self-motivation:
1 – Believe in the product
Selling your ideas is just like selling anything else. Believe in what you’re selling. This is code for believing in yourself. Believing in yourself consists of daily affirmations, constant positive self-talk, and choosing the right attitude.
Attitude is one of the first things people will notice about you. It’s natural to suffer from lack of confidence now and then but do not allow yourself to stay there.
It starts with the way you talk to yourself. Most people are more likely to talk to themselves negatively than positively, and this is what holds them back in life. Self-talk can be very damaging. Many of us will say things to ourselves that we would not allow other people to say about our friends. Speak life, think life.
A positive attitude is not the only thing you need. You must also have the right attitude and the quality of your thoughts.
Many successful people have a constructive and encouraging way of studying themselves and their work. They have a calm, confident, positive self-expectation attitude. They feel good about themselves and carry the mindset that everything they do will result in success.
If your self-talk says, “I can’t do this or that,” or “We’re too expensive,” then you need to change your mindset or change your job.
Believe in yourself because you are worth it. Believe in the value of the product. Steer clear of criticizing, complaining, and condemning. Instead, try searching for resolutions, using positivity, and allowing grace.
Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, says, “If you believe you can do a thing, or if you believe you can’t, in either case, you’re probably right.”
Believe you can.
2 – The packaging
Like all of the products we choose to buy, the way the product is presented will influence our decision to buy. We buy it because we need it, but we make the most purchases because we like what we see.
How do you present yourself? Do you have the right attitude? Are you dressed for the occasion? Just because the customer dresses casually, does not mean you get to wear casual clothes too.
Your smile, attitude, and the clothing you choose to wear all make a statement about you. Make sure they conclude an accurate statement.
3 – Smile
Smiling is a warm and friendly gesture. A genuine smile goes a long way. It automatically sets the tone for the meeting.
4 – Use names
Use people’s names. People love to hear their names. It sounds more personal, and it can help create a feeling of friendship. It also lets people know that they are important enough that you remembered their name.
5 – Watch the other person
This step can take practice. Observe their body language. Body language will tell you if they are comfortable, nervous, or uninterested. Observing body language and eye contact can tell you if they are listening or are they just staring there to be kind but looking everywhere else. If they’re not listening, then there’s no point telling them about your business unless you can get them interested first.
It’s okay to have some small talk and allow them to talk about themselves during the initial contact. Since this is the beginning of your relationship, this will make others feel more connected during your second meeting.
6 – Listen and look like you’re listening.
Multitasking is one of everyone’s pastimes. It’s easy for us to listen even when it looks like we aren’t listening. However, the other people in the conversation can only make an assumption based on what their eyes can see, not what’s taking place inside your head. If you’re staring at someone else, they will think you’ve tuned out. If they see a blank expression faced person facing them with little to no interaction, then they’ll assume they have lost your interest and move on.
You need to be an interactive listener. Lean in and engage, make an occasional nod, and follow up with questions. Show them that you’re not only hearing them but that you’re listening.
7 – Be interested.
If you want to be interesting, then you must be interested. Most people spend too much talking about themselves and don’t allow others to reciprocate. Most people feel that they have something worth sharing and feel they are worth time to be heard. If you help others feel valued, they will like you.
People want to feel important, and you allow them to feel that way you will raise their self-image. Be genuine, and they’ll be much more receptive to what you are saying.
8 – Talk positively.
Avoid negative speaking. Avoid sayings like “Mondays are so hard.” Instead, try, “This Monday is a great way to start of the week strong so that we can get ahead.”
Be truthful when speaking. If you don’t like office space, look for a positive such as the color scheme, or the layout.
9 – When in Rome
Adapt to your surroundings. If you’re using larger vocabulary words with people who don’t understand, they will be less likely to be interested in you. If they speak at a slower pace, then don’t talk too fast. If they are quiet, be sure to pay attention to your voice level. People naturally like people who are similar to themselves.
10 – Keep your cool
A level headed person is more appealing than a hot-headed attitude. If you sound too aggressive, people don’t want to do business with you. If you look stressed out, people will try to stay away from you. If you are cool, calm, and collect, you will get others to surround you easier.
People prefer warm and friendly over cold and crazy. They want to be around people who project joy, peace, and love. Be genuine and be kind.
What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them!