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Lawrence Dallaglio announces winner of 'Top Sales Tip' competition

The National Sales Awards in partnership with Huthwaite International has launched their 'Top Sales Tips' guide, which has been compiled from the results of a nationwide competition which invited sales professionals to share selling advice in 140 characters (the length of a Tweet), for the chance to win £1,000.

The competition was supported and judged by Lawrence Dallaglio, former England rugby captain and sales director for contact centre services in Serco's new UK & Europe Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) business.

Dallaglio said: "It's fantastic to see so many people get behind something that's driving awareness and interest in the industry.

"The guide offers real insight into how sales people can perform better and it's interesting to see a lot of people emphasising the importance of listening and building relationships - something I consider key to doing well in sales."

The top 10 sales tips are:

• Always learn about your customers hobbies. That way one can always start a conversation with some friendly banter and build a dialogue.
• Utilise the public domain and gain insight and understanding of your key stakeholders in more depth, around business & personal.
• It's important to be enthusiastic, listen, understand the customer's needs and wants and to build a relationship with that customer. (Winning tip - Jason Hart, Saga)
• Under Promise, Over Deliver. Ensure you keep your customers happy by exceeding their expectations.
• Be passionate, know your goals and help your client achieve theirs. Don't be afraid to walk away if a win win situation can't be reached.
• Listen- 2 ears, 1 mouth; use that ratio. Trust- get it, keep it; deliver promises. Respect- everyone.
• Sales is all about 80% listening to the customer's needs and wants and 20% talking.
• The best salesmen never sound like they are selling. They sound like they've listened to your problem and might have a solution.
• Be tenacious! The next sale is the only one a person ever has to make.
• Remember to smile while you dial. People buy people first. You are the company you are representing.

The 'Top Sales Tips' guide launched as the National Sales Awards invited sales teams and professionals throughout the UK to enter the 2012 awards.

Entering its 16th year, the National Sales Awards aim to reward individuals and teams who are demonstrating best practice and outstanding achievement in all aspects of sales. The award categories include:

• The Customer Collaboration Award
• Contact Centre Sales Team of the Year
• Telephone Sales Team of the Year
• Field Sales Team of the Year
• Sales Support Team of the Year
• Sales Management Team of the Year
• Customer Service Team of the Year
• Sales Team of the Year (video / vote)
• Newcomer of the Year
• Telephone Sales Executive of the Year
• Field Sales Executive of the Year
• Sales Team Leader of the Year
• Account Manager of the Year
• Strategic Account Manager of the Year
• Sales Manager of the Year
• Silent Edge Sales Director of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution to Sales

The awards close for entry on 16th July and the winners will be announced at the National Sales Awards dinner and awards ceremony in London at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Tuesday 6th November 2012.

External links

To enter, nominate or to find out more information about this year's Awards programme and entry criteria, visit: www.nationalsalesawards.com

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