Guest Blog by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect & co-founder of SnappSales
I was privileged enough to attend the very first #LionessMentoring session at the Standard Bank Incubator in Rosebank, Johannesburg this week. One of the things that really struck me, besides the passion and resilience each women entrepreneur displayed, was the complete lack of confidence in themselves and their sales abilities.
I’ve heard so many times, “I’m really not good at sales” or “I’m no sales person”. Why have we inflicted such limiting beliefs on ourselves? From a young age we are already negotiating with our parents, from the clothes we want to wear to when nap time should be. In our day-to-day lives, we’re negotiating with colleagues and our partners. Negotiation forms a firm part of the sales process. I firmly believe that absolutely everyone is a salesperson.
They say that if only women truly understood how good we are at sales, we would dominate the playing field!
In this blog I want to help you take that first step to mastering your selling skills, but more than that, having the right posture at business meetings and the confidence to boot.
As women entrepreneurs we are naturally good at networking, connecting people, and having a deep understanding of human nature. Now imagine taking these natural skills, things that we do instinctively, and honing them to win a big deal or to form solid partnerships.
Believe in yourself, your business and the value you bring to the table. Don’t allow that little voice in your head to undermine you, and don’t ever question yourself.
You started this business for a reason, you’ve built it with passion, sheer grit, one brick at a time. Why would you allow anyone to undermine or disrespect what you have built? This is your baby, your legacy. Take it to the market with pride, with passion. Don’t let the naysayers step over you. Sure you’re going to get a no, or feel intimidated at times, however, it is how you manage yourself and your energy in these encounters that matter.
Take it on the chin, then walk away, reassess what went right and wrong in the meeting, learn from it and make it a growth opportunity! Setbacks and rejection will only make you a stronger person, a better negotiator and a formidable salesperson.
Karen Wessels is the co-founder and COO of VA Connect, a South African virtual assistant platform that provides outsourced administrative support; and is also the co-founder of SnappSales, a company that generates quality sales leads for its clients. Prior to establishing both her companies, Karen spent over 10 years in different sales, marketing & admin support roles. This experience has equipped her with the invaluable skills required to run her two successful business ventures. Follow Karen on her Personal Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
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