If you think it is expensive to hire a successful salesperson, try hiring a mediocre one.

If you think it is expensive to hire a successful salesperson, try hiring a mediocre one.
May 5, 2025

Here are some ways successful salespeople are different from mediocre ones.

  • Successful salespeople ask questions.
  • Mediocre salespeople talk too much and make statements.

  • Successful salespeople are naturally curious and care about prospects and customers.
  • Mediocre salespeople are myopic and self-centered.

  • Successful salespeople are persistent.
  • Mediocre salespeople are easily discouraged.

  • Successful salespeople understand, solve problems, and fulfill needs.
  • Mediocre salespeople assume what customers need.

  • Successful salespeople read, study, and constantly learn about selling.
  • Mediocre salespeople believe they know it all.

  • Successful salespeople are open to feedback.
  • Mediocre salespeople are defensive.

  • Successful salespeople are humble.
  • Mediocre salespeople have big egos.

  • Successful salespeople proactively prospect with a system for tracking prospects.
  • Mediocre salespeople don't.

  • Successful salespeople prepare and have a strategy.
  • Mediocre salespeople wing it.

  • Successful salespeople acknowledge and learn from mistakes.
  • Mediocre salespeople blame others.

  • Successful salespeople apologize when they are wrong.
  • Mediocre salespeople seldom, if ever, believe they are wrong.

  • Successful salespeople sell the products and services their company currently has.
  • Mediocre salespeople complain about what their company lacks.

  • Successful salespeople are seldom satisfied.
  • Mediocre salespeople rest on their laurels.

  • Successful salespeople set proper priorities and invest their time wisely.
  • Mediocre salespeople watch the clock.

  • Successful salespeople spend company money as if it were their own money.
  • Mediocre salespeople spend their company's money in ways they wouldn't spend their own.

  • Successful salespeople make their number and are consistently over quota.
  • Mediocre salespeople have excuses and blame market conditions or the economy for falling short.

  • Successful salespeople actively listen.
  • Mediocre salespeople are easily distracted.

  • Successful salespeople have an ownership mentality.
  • Mediocre salespeople see selling as a job, not a career.

  • Successful salespeople enjoy what they do.
  • Mediocre salespeople don't.
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