Table of Contents
Building a personal brand in Sales!
Introduction
For each of us in Sales, it is very important to know how to build a personal brand. That will be a deal clincher when everything else is more or less the same when compared with our competition. Why do customers buy from us? is a good question worth looking at. Let’s dive in! Are you ready for a story?
True Story
It has been a long time since I wrote stories from my Sales experience.
If you are in Sales and your company sells other company’s products as a Sales Partner, then you will be able to relate to this story.
It was a hectic day as usual. I had multiple sales calls lined up. Those days, we didn’t take prior appointments from customers to meet them. There were times we took appointments. But, by and large, we gatecrashed.
I was waiting patiently [impatiently] in the reception of the CPPD [Computer Planning and Policy Departments] department of a public sector bank. Then, I was called in and met the client. He was a Chief Manager [next in line to the DGM, CPPD]. There was a World Bank tender for TBA [Total Branch Automation] for 360 branches.
I regularly met people at CPPD. I helped them with trial licenses of the software products we were selling. Sometimes, even helped them set up a simulated environment.
Likewise, here I committed to the Chief Manager that we would do a pilot project in one branch and subsequently, we did what we committed.
Looking back at the whole scenario now, I think the reason why I succeeded in cracking this particular deal in this account [it was a pretty large deal then, INR 3.24 Crores or INR 32.4 million in a single order] was:
Deal Clincher:
- Good rapport with the customer
- Technical help in a pilot project
- I was available to the customer all the time
- Recommended by our Principal [a product company]
- My Personal Brand
Let’s talk about How to build a Personal Brand in Sales:
Building a personal brand in Sales is an ongoing journey that can significantly impact your success. Reflecting on my experience, here are some actionable insights on enhancing your Personal Brand in the dynamic world of sales:
Consistent Value Delivery:
Always strive to provide consistent value to your clients. Whether it’s offering solutions to their problems, sharing industry insights, or being a resource for valuable information, delivering consistent value builds trust and credibility.
Leverage Social Media:
In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for personal branding. Establish a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn, sharing your expertise, engaging with industry content, and showcasing your successes. This not only widens your network but also positions you as a thought leader in your field.
Authenticity Matters:
Authenticity is the backbone of a strong personal brand. Be genuine in your interactions, share your successes and challenges, and let your personality shine through. Authenticity fosters trust and builds lasting connections with clients and colleagues alike.
Continuous Learning:
Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and product knowledge. A continuous learning mindset not only enhances your expertise but also showcases your commitment to staying at the forefront of your field, reinforcing your personal brand as a reliable and knowledgeable professional.
Seek and Showcase Testimonials:
Encourage satisfied clients to provide testimonials or endorsements. Positive feedback from others in the industry serves as social proof of your skills and reliability, boosting your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.
My support guys were too good at getting testimonials from clients those days. They convinced our clients to issue letters mentioning their names and how they helped them solve a particular problem and added such letters to their resumes. Smart fellows. They knew how to build a personal brand.
On the other hand, I never took any such testimonials in my name. I got feedback as an email or as part of a customer satisfaction audit.
Networking and Relationship Building:
Cultivate and nurture relationships within your industry. Attend conferences, join relevant groups, and actively engage in networking opportunities. A strong professional network not only opens doors for new opportunities but also strengthens your Personal Brand within the community.
Remember, personal branding is a journey, not a destination. It’s about consistently showcasing your unique value proposition, building meaningful connections, and staying true to your authentic self. By investing in your Personal Brand, you’re not just selling a product; you’re selling trust and credibility.
Finally, it is Trust and Credibility that build your Brand!
I hope you learned how to build a personal brand in Sales!
Additional reading material:
Happy Branding!
Happy Selling!
#PersonalBranding #SalesSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment #SalesTips
