The Secret Skill You Didn’t Know You Had: How Planning Your Sales Approach Changes Everything

Have you ever felt lost when trying to persuade someone or sell an idea? The missing ingredient is often a clear plan. Planning your sales approach turns scattered efforts into focused, effective action. In Cindy McGovern’s insightful book, Every Job is a Sales Job, she stresses that success in selling begins long before you speak your first word. It starts with intentional preparation.

Planning means defining exactly what you want to achieve. Are you asking for a raise, pitching a project, or seeking support? Setting clear objectives helps prioritize your efforts and prevents distractions. Without this clarity, even the best communication skills can fall short.

Understanding your audience is another crucial part of planning. What are their needs, concerns, and motivations? Anticipating these allows you to tailor your message and build trust more naturally. Preparation also includes rehearsing your ask and considering possible objections.

Consider the story of someone planning a special day in New York. Every detail was mapped out to create a memorable experience. This careful preparation ensured success and joy. Similarly, when you plan your sales approach, you create moments that resonate and persuade.

Planning also aligns your sales efforts with your personal brand and values, making your approach authentic and consistent. People trust what feels genuine and reliable.

By investing time in planning, you gain confidence and readiness. This mindset shift from reactive to proactive selling changes the game entirely.

Next, we’ll explore how to become vigilant and spot opportunities around you, turning everyday moments into chances to sell and influence.