Sales alert: Steps to take you to the top!

The sales profession in our country today is dismal. People say they are pros, but they are amateurs. Pros do things differently in any profession, and sales is no different than any other.

Here are the million dollar questions. If you say yes to any of these, you are in the first stage of the pro world of sales.

* Have you read at least one book in the past year on sales (not a marketing or business book, but sales)?

* Have you gone through at least a half-day seminar on sales (with your own money, not company paid or sponsored)?

* Have you listened to or watched at least two CDs or DVDs on sales within the last 12 months?

Most people in sales cannot say yes to any of the above questions. In fact, more than 85 percent do not do anything to enhance their career. Would you go to a physician or medical specialist if they did not ever go for any additional training or seminars to stay abreast of current information?

When you meet a pro, you can tell by the way they carry themselves and their confidence is noticeable immediately. Pros possess certain skills that are not witnessed by amateurs. They are basic and take a little bit of work and commitment.

Professional salespeople:

* Are willing to learn as much as they can about their profession.