Which soft skill is most important for salespeople? I think it’s emotional intelligence, but my boss argues that it’s just straight up persuasion. I’m wondering what the fishies think?

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Collaboration and Project Management

like

Well, see, you don't agree with either of us... and you're suggesting that we could stand to work together more. ;) Come on, not the answer I was looking for! Just kidding, why do you think collaboration & project management??

In my opinion it’s the opposite of “persuasion” — rather, it’s truly listening and understanding customer needs, and knowing how to package a solution that will address those needs. This results in the best customer satisfaction and long term revenue.

If you merely use “persuasion” to sell subpar solutions at high prices, just to pad your commissions, your customers will feel like they got burned and might buy from the competition in the future.

like

I like that idea. Thank you! It's not necessarily a natural inclination to see your customer as a business partner, but that seems like a valuable perspective shift.

To be fair persuasion/influence is an aspect of emotional intelligence. I personally feel adaptation and being able to read the room is more important. Persuasion IMO is only the most important if it’s a shit product.

smart

Good point! About showing value and the shit product. I feel both of those. LOL

funny

I would say negotiation. In my opinion, negotiation covers a lot of areas that you need to be aware of to close a deal.

like

Ohhh, interesting. I can see that, but I think emotional intelligence is a part of the negotiation process. What do you think?

To be fair, it takes a lot of emotional intelligence to be able to persuade and negotiate with clients. Charisma is also a big factor.

like

That's what I was thinking. I can also see that about charisma, although I've seen some pretty introverted, quiet people excel in sales because they are emotionally intelligent.

I agree with you but your boss is not wrong either. But I also think persuasion is nothing without emotional intelligence. You can't persuade someone if you can't empathize with them. Connection sure does take you to places in this industry.

like

Empathy. You need to be able to understand the other person's perspective and help to address any challenges (or goals) they have in their life.

like

That's good! Empathy is valuable in many situations, but it's especially important in sales!

Negotiation. Meeting the client in the middle and understanding where they're coming from in a non-business related way.

Related Posts

Anyone studying for REG while also working full time? Need a study buddy to stay accountable

like

My firm has me on a reduced schedule where I only work 4 days a week. Although it comes with reduce pay, I’ve never had more time to help with shabbous prep

like

Hi
Anyone joining capgemini on Monday

My manager is asking the entire team to work the weekend to hit a Monday deadline. Thinking of asking for Monday and Tuesday off next week in exchange? This seems reasonable to me. Managers would you annoyed with this response or request?

likefunnyhelpful

Looking to dedicate some time during the weekends to prospecting and thinking volunteering can be a good start. What are some organizations to check out and be a part of?

like

What is the Work From Home scenario at HSBC Data Processing? Is there an option to opt for permanent WFH?

Hi! I’m currently a junior accountant looking to transition to a junior data/financial analyst role. Would really appreciate any referrals! Thank you.

like
like
like

Hello! This may not be a appropriate question to ask on here but I am currently an Underwriting Services Representative and have been for 4+ years at the same company. They are demanding return to office but I would love to remain remote. Does anyone know of any great companies hiring remotely?

like

So BLKJ have weak knees and sold out to Havas....Always knew that an agency could be bought to provide them with an excuse to be mediocre. It hardly ends well.....

like
Post Gif
like

Creative Circle is looking for a for a Freelance Executive Producer- rate is barely $500 a day - NYC.

GFU and anyone who takes that job!!! You’re ruining it for the rest of us!

likefunny

Hello! I’m a Canadian living in Canada. Really looking to relocate to the states to be closer to my family. Looking for referrals for technical program manager / project manager roles. I’ve got 9yrs + experience in project management, construction, oil & gas. Really hoping for tech roles. I appreciate any help or advice or referral! Thanks in advance!

like

Am working this weekend and my partner can't seem to focus or sit still to the point that it's starting to impact my performance. I'm legit concerned. How do I bring this up to him?

PFB breakup and help me to calculate in hand salary
SAP Tata Consultancy

Post Photo
like

What would be a fair range for Sr. Data engineering position strictly Azure based in Texas

like

Did the Deloitte layoffs include people in their federal practice?

like

Additional Posts in Sales

Looking to transition out of Healthcare sales into SaaS and would like to get a position with Salesforce, Gartner or even move into the public sector. Just looking for some guidance and advice on anyone who has done this successfully and if you have any contacts that be helpful to learn from.

Enterprise/Field/Mid-Market reps: any interview tips?

Looking to jump from AE to Mid-Market or Enterprise AE

like

Segmenting / database quality question —- we have 2 segments based on EE count : 21-100 and 101+. We use LinkedIn as source of truth. Problem is I can’t prospect using LI Nav as they only let you pull by range 51-200. Any idea how to search LI based on LinkedIn employees (with profiles) not the range or best way to prospect into this segment?

like

A Friday type discussion? Do only bjiou sales pepele drink Topo Chico now? My local Mexican grocery store is charging $5 more for a 12 pack than Whole Foods?

like

Not sure if it’s just me, but does anyone else experience people from Pune visiting their LinkedIn nearly every day, multiple times a day? I’ve got a folk (or several folks?) from “Flexisales” and other Pune-based companies that have been viewing my profile every day for the past few months now. Doesn’t bother me too much, I just wish I knew who they were and what they wanted….

like

I’m thinking about switching to some type of sales job, but I don’t really have a ton of experience. I’d really like to make $250k per year. I think this would be possible in sales, but what type of sales? And where can I live to earn the most money? I live in rural Texas now, but I’m willing to move if I can make more.

like

https://www.pipedrive.com/

This weeks technology highlight is Pipedrive. My company still does not have a formal CRM. I went out and found my own.

like

I’ve been applying for entry level SDR/BDR positions within the tech industry and even sales rep positions wth pharmaceutical companies. I have been finding it difficult so far coming from someone who has a pharmaceutical science degree and has had a lot of experience in labs and recently as a drug analyst, but with 0 experience in sales. Any advice on how I can make my applications stand out (I have emphasized transferable skills).

like

In the service industry (hvac, fire safety, mechanical etc.) what’s the standard commission percentage reps make on new business?

like

What is the best sales stack that your company uses?

like

WELCOME TO SOUL NETWORK INC.

How’s everyone doing? What area of sales are you in? I’m in Digital Marketing

like

closed a $5M deal yesterday. SVP said good job. I felt nothing. time to get a new job?

upliftinglike

How many likes does it take to DM!? Please help me get there. Here’s a pic of my boys on this rainy day to help 🙂

Post Photo
like

Hi! Just here to seek any advice/ tips on how to prepare/ excel in a sales role, I have 0 sales experience.

Context: After graduation, worked in a research agency (client servicing role) for abt 4 yrs. Recently, I got an SDR offer in a software company and accepted it. This company offers a lot experience mgt platforms and is growing a lot in their research services.

I want to prep as much and hard bc i really want to excel in my new role so seeking some advice/ tips! Thanks u!!!

like

Where do you reckon the best company to be a sales engineer is? (Besides Salesforce 😉)

like

Any healthcare executives here?

like

Does someone know what total comp range would be for a technical sales AE role for big pharma in Canada?

like

Hello, fellow newbie here 😀
Was wondering if yall know of any remote sales jobs with a good starting base salary? I'm doing great at my current role selling senior health insurance (76k give or take a year) but I know I'm capable of selling at a higher commission range. My calls at my last company were all cold (around 100 a day). I got job offers as a recruiter and also a few SDR offers but both fields the base is under 45k. I have a four year degree and one year of sales experience. Thank you

like

Seeking advice regarding salary negotiations for vehicle wear and tear (In my current role we have fleet vehicles). The new offer 95k / 155k OTE (less in salary but better commission structure, uncapped based on performance). They are currently offering gas mileage which will not support vehicle maintenance. The role requires regional coverage from MA to northern NJ weekly. Anyone have experience in negotiating a vehicle maintenance package?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal