Sales Specialist skills for your resume and career

Building relationships is the act of creating and maintaining connections with others. Sales specialists use this skill to maximize sales, retain clients, and improve customer satisfaction. They do this by regularly connecting with established clients and building relationships with prospective customers. As Ken Corbit Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Marketing at Texas Christian University, puts it, "Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights."

Customer complaints are concerns or issues customers have with a product or service. Sales specialists use customer complaints to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. They handle these issues by listening to the problem, investigating, and finding a solution. They also inform management of any recurring complaints to help prevent them in the future.

Customer orders are specific requests from customers for specific products or services. Sales specialists use customer orders by managing the process from start to finish. They accept orders, complete required paperwork, and ensure timely delivery. They also handle customer inquiries and issues related to orders. They work closely with vendors and warehouse managers to fulfill orders accurately and on time.

Product knowledge is the understanding and familiarity with a company's products, their features, and their uses. Sales specialists use product knowledge by providing customers with professional attention and exemplary service. They also use this knowledge to solve problems for customers and make sound recommendations. As Hank Boyd, Assistant Dean for Civic Engagement & Clinical Professor of Marketing at the University of Maryland, puts it, "While product knowledge used to be a cardinal skill, today's salesforce relies heavily on networking. Great people skills often trump wonkish knowledge about the product line."

Patients are individuals who receive medical care or treatment. Sales specialists interact with patients in various ways, such as educating them on the proper use of medical products, verifying their insurance benefits, and providing ongoing customer service. They also work closely with medical professionals to identify patients who need specific services. As Margie Bernard MBA, Faculty - Graduate Healthcare Administration at Saint Xavier University - Chicago, IL, puts it, "Understanding how to listen is vital since patients tell us about their needs through words and unspoken gestures, such as nods of agreement. Leaders under pressure to increase quality, reduce costs and eliminate errors want new hires who grasp work instructions quickly before medical emergencies happen."

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a system that helps manage interactions with customers and potential customers. Sales Specialists use CRM to keep track of customer interactions, manage sales calls, and monitor sales pipelines. They also use CRM to maintain customer progress reports, manage customer memberships, and log all inbound sales calls.

Customer service is the act of helping and supporting customers before, during, and after a purchase. Sales specialists use customer service by building relationships with clients, providing exceptional service, and solving customer problems. They also use it to collect required information from customers, assist in order entry, and resolve complaints. They provide consistent and effective outreach and follow-up, and even help resolve other customers' issues.

Plumbing is the system of pipes, fixtures, and appliances installed for the distribution and use of water in a building. Sales specialists use plumbing by providing expertise and knowledge in this area, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, installations, and repairs. They also maintain the plumbing department according to company merchandising standards and store operations policies. They often create and maintain relationships with area plumbing contractors, serve as a sales specialist in the plumbing business, and assist in maintaining display integrity for plumbing-related products.

Business development involves identifying and pursuing new opportunities to grow a business. Sales specialists use business development to analyze account performance, identify new opportunities, and market value-added sales offerings. They also use it to manage all aspects of wealth management and investment products, focusing on profiling, analysis, and implementation. This can involve designing and structuring new sales departments, collaborating with team members, and implementing business development strategies into specific initiatives.

PowerPoint is a presentation software used to create and display content in a slide show format. Sales specialists use PowerPoint to create sales support materials, conduct training programs, and present information to customers. They also use it to prepare presentations for account executives and introduce new products to potential members. For example, one sales specialist used PowerPoint to provide registered nurses and surgeons with equipment information and research data.

Customer issues are problems or complaints that customers have with a product or service. Sales specialists use customer issues to identify and resolve problems, often through effective communication and problem-solving. They listen to customer concerns, understand the issue, and provide a solution that satisfies the customer. This helps build strong customer relationships and fosters loyalty.

Work ethic is a set of values centered on the importance of hard work and diligence. Sales specialists use work ethic to excel in their job by consistently delivering excellent customer service, taking on tasks requested by leadership, and exceeding sales goals. They also maintain a professional demeanor and motivate coworkers by setting a strong example.