Your Personality and Sales

Being an extrovert or an introvert can influence what type of work you do in sales, as well as, how you’re promoted. How can you tell which personality traits you have? Well, the basic difference is your source of energy. Introverts get their energy within themselves. Being around a lot of people can make them feel drained. Spending time in solitude or alone recharges them. Extroverts get their energy through mingling with people. The more people there are, the more energized they are. If they go without socializing for too long, it drains them. Everyone has a little of both types in them, but this is a good method to consider when thinking about a new job. In sales management, both personalities can do well. If you really want to succeed in your this field, it’s not impossible regardless which personality type you are. Let’s look at how extroverts and introverts can use their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

#1 Managerial Ability:

Extroverts usually have no trouble telling others what to do. They are very visible in the workplace and everyone knows they’re around. But many extroverts are too busy talking to listen. They have to make sure they don’t come across as over bearing or presumptuous.

The introvert, however, is not very vocal and may have trouble with disciplining others. Confrontation makes them uncomfortable and they tend to avoid it at all costs. Despite this, they can be excellent supervisors because they will listen to all sides of a problem before arriving to or at a conclusion.

#2 Sales Prowess:

Extroverts invented the term “born salesman”. They have great communication skills. They can even handle tough customers with ease. However, because of this, some clients would perceive them to be pushy. The extrovert may find sales strong at first but declining over time.

Introverts don’t have the out going nature of the extrovert, but they have the ability to sell. Some customers who don’t like “pushy” salespeople will gravitate towards the introverts. Depending on their chosen sales field, they may actually do better then their extrovert counterparts because they can connect with quieter temperaments.

#3 Self Promotion:

Extroverts understand and practice self promotion very easily. It comes to them naturally. They move up the corporate ladder without any problems. But with their tendency to talk about what they achieved, they come across as self centered. They need to step back and use a little humility and let their work speak for them.

Introverts feel what they do should speak for itself and feel they are bragging if they talk about their accomplishments. They feel uncomfortable blowing their own horns. They are reluctant to ask for a raise or a promotion because they feel that management should notice their work. This type of attitude can sabotage their chances if they intend to go higher up in management.

Regardless of which personality traits you have, you need to stretch your limits. For the extrovert, this might mean toning yourself down and listening more. For the introvert, it could mean extending yourself out of your comfort zone. By relying on your strong points and strengthening your weak points, you can have a successful sales career in whatever field you chose!

Any comments or input are always welcome.

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheads blog.