I’ve been a salesperson for over 15 years, and in that time I’ve become very good at sizing up a person just by looking at them. It’s almost like I have second sight or something! Sometimes I’ll see someone online who looks great on paper but doesn’t feel quite right, so I won’t call.
Other times I’ll see someone who seems wrong for my product, but ends up being an easy close. And sometimes, it’s just the opposite! What’s going on?
For the last few years of my career, I’m glad to say that I’ve finally figured it out. Here are some small body language traits you might not even be aware of that can tell me whether you’re interested in buying what I’m selling or not.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Unconventional Thinking: Clients who think outside the box can bring fresh perspectives to the sales process. |
| 2. Willingness to Collaborate: Clients open to collaboration can contribute unique insights and solutions for successful sales closures. |
| 3. Resilience and Patience: Clients who understand the sales journey’s ups and downs can support the process through challenges. |
| 4. Embracing Creativity: Clients who are open to creative approaches can help devise innovative strategies to close deals effectively. |
1. Your Head Is Tilted
Who doesn’t love a good head tilt? A tilted head has been used for centuries as a sign of submission, weakness, and attraction. When you’re interested in something or someone you look at them with your eyes.
But when someone is trying to show empathy, interest or attraction they tend to tilt their heads slightly down towards their chest.
This is because when we are interested in something we naturally turn our heads towards that thing so that we can see it better and listen more intently.
When someone is submitting or showing submissive gestures they will also usually have a slight downward gaze.
While talking with you because they know that this makes them appear less threatening than if they were looking straight ahead at eye level (when someone feels intimidated by another person’s presence).
Head tilting works especially well if paired up with other strategies like keeping all four feet on the ground during conversation, avoiding eye contact, and leaning back slightly into your chair
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2. You Are Wearing Glasses
That’s a good thing because it means you’re intelligent, trustworthy, and approachable. You know how to dress appropriately for the occasion and one can tell you are knowledgeable in your field by the way you carry yourself.
There is no better way to communicate authority than with glasses!
3. You Are Wearing A Hat
A hat is a sure sign of confidence. Wearing a hat is an easy way to announce to the world that you are not afraid to make a statement or be different, even if it means going against the grain.
As I look over your appearance and notice that you are wearing a hat, I see an individual who is confident in their choices and has no problem flaunting them for all to see.
You are willing and able to go against the norm and do what’s right for yourself instead of what everyone else thinks is best for you.
This can also help me determine whether or not you’re married: if so, then there may be some other factors at play when trying to close this sale with my clientele (in particular, their wives).
But if someone doesn’t have any rings on their fingers and doesn’t have any ink on their body then there’s nothing stopping us from getting along swimmingly!
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4. You Are Smiling
I’m a big believer in the idea that people who are smiling are more confident, friendly, and happy than those who aren’t. When we smile at each other, it’s a sign that we’re comfortable around each other and want to be friendly with each other.
Smiling is also a sign of being relaxed, which makes sense if you think about it: would you smile if you were nervous or upset?
So when I see my potential clients sitting across from me smiling at me with their whole bodies (not just their mouths), I know they’re ready to close the sale!
5. You Have Dimples
And that’s a good thing.
In my opinion, dimples are one of the most attractive features a person can have. They indicate youthfulness and happiness and make you more attractive to others.
They also signify health and fertility, which is important when you’re trying to sell something because it means your product will be successful in the marketplace.
In addition, people with dimples are generally considered trustworthy; they’re perceived as kinder than those without them which makes them easier for me to close on deals too!
6. You Are Chewing Gum
You are chewing gum. It’s a sign of confidence, relaxation, and being in control.
It’s also a sign that you could care less about what I have to say because you already know what you want and how to get it. You are relaxed, comfortable, and confident enough in your skin that you don’t need me or my advice.
You’re not going to be persuaded by any BS sales tactics my company uses (which is great!). Chewing gum shows me that there is no pressure on your shoulders or mind – nothing is getting under your skin (and vice versa).
7. You Have A Wedding Band On Your Left Hand
A wedding band on your left hand is a sign of commitment. It tells me that you’ve chosen to spend your life with someone else and are planning on being together forever.
These days, we don’t know how long we will be with anyone. We can be married one day and divorced the next. But when you have a wedding band on your finger, it says that everything in your life is stable and secure.
You have someone who loves you unconditionally by your side through thick or thin, good times or bad, sickness or health forever.
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8. You Have A Ring On Your Right Hand (Or Vice Versa)
A ring on your right hand (or vice versa) is something you can see from a distance, from a profile, from a close-up, and even from a medium shot.
And this means that it’s something that will catch the attention of my clients when they’re scrolling through their Instagram feed.
The same goes for jewelry on men it’s easy to spot whether or not he’s wearing a wedding band or other pieces of jewelry on his fingers or neckline.
This isn’t always true for clothing: some people wear accessories in such an understated way that they don’t have any impact whatsoever!
But if someone has one big piece of jewelry that stands out like this like earrings with large stones or thick chains around their neck then I can tell before I even open up the app who might be willing to pay me money for what I’m offering.
9. The Top Button Of Your Shirt Is Undone
You’ve got a great suit on, you’re ready to make some sales. But wait, what’s this? The top button of your shirt is undone? This signals confidence and openness in a subtle way you’re not afraid to show off a little bit of skin.
It can also make you look more approachable, which will come in handy when it comes time to close the sale. If you’re worried that your tie might get in the way, take it off and let it hang around your neck like a scarf; no one will know but us!
10. Your Tongue Is Stuck Out Slightly
This is a great example of the body language that I look for in my clients, and it can be especially effective when used in combination with other gestures.
For example, if you also have your hands behind your neck or on the back of your head (see #5), and you’re resting one leg over the other, this could send a subconscious message of openness and suggestibility.
If so many people are doing it, then maybe there’s something to it we tend to fall in line with behavior patterns we see around us, especially when those behaviors come from people who seem confident enough to be good role models.
If that were all there was to this gesture and if every person who had their tongue slightly sticking out was being open-minded then I wouldn’t need any other signs! But not every person with their tongue slightly sticking out means what we might think (i.e., “I am relaxed and confident; I am open-minded; etc.).
Some people use this gesture subconsciously as part of their defense mechanisms when they feel threatened by someone else’s presence or suggestions.
So while having this trait may not always mean someone will be interested in what you have to say during your sales pitch, at least now you know how it fits into my criteria for choosing which clients I want to work with me!
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11. Your Mouth Is Curved Upwards In A Small Smile (Again, It’s Involuntary)
One of the most common traits I look for in a client is closed lips turned upwards at the corners. This expression is called the “Duchenne smile,” named after Guillaume Duchenne (1806-1875), a French physician who first studied it back in 1872.
It’s different from your average smile because it happens unconsciously your brain has no control over its appearance because it’s involuntary.
It’s a sign of happiness (and openness) because it shows that you’re comfortable with yourself and those around you; trust because it signals an interest in what others are saying; and confidence since there’s no need for extra effort to put on this facial expression.
12. Your Nails Are Painted/Clean/Dirty
Good nails are a sign of a good upbringing and good hygiene. If you have clean, polished nails, it shows that you take care of yourself and probably have impeccable manners.
If your nails are dirty, cracked, or broken in any way, this is an indication that you might not be as hygienic or put together as someone with clean fingernails.
If your fingernails are painted in bold shades (like reds), this will often suggest that you’re creative and fashionable a great trait for any client!
13. You Have A Tattoo On Your Arm
A tattoo is a great conversation starter. It shows that the person has an interest in art, and it allows you to get to know someone on a deeper level than just their job description. If they have a funny tattoo, it might be all the better!
Showing your sense of humor is another good way to close sales because it allows buyers to feel at ease around you (and relaxed people rarely go out of their way to buy more stuff).
14. A Birthmark On Your Wrist Or Neck (Or Anywhere Else Visible)
I’m not going to lie: I’m slightly obsessed with birthmarks. They’re a fascinating part of the human condition, and they can tell you a lot about someone.
A birthmark on your wrist or neck (or anywhere else visible), for example, means that you were destined for greatness or at least some kind of fame or recognition. It also means that you have a strong connection with one person in particular your mom!
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Conclusion
When you’re meeting with a prospect, you might feel like you have to be on your best behavior. You’ve invested time and energy into getting this meeting, so it’s easy to feel like the pressure is on!
But in reality, prospects are looking for that spark of connection they want to get to know who you are as a person.
That’s why we must take the time during these meetings not only to listen carefully but also to observe the other person and what they do or say subtly during our conversation.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you explore and enhance your sales and marketing skills:
Qualities That Make a Strong Salesperson Discover the essential qualities that contribute to being a successful salesperson, from communication skills to adaptability.
Effective Habits for Sales Success Learn about the habits that can help you become a more effective salesperson, including time management and continuous learning.
Key Traits to Look for When Hiring Sales Talent If you’re involved in hiring sales professionals, this article discusses the important traits to consider when recruiting top sales talent.
FAQs
What are the essential qualities of a successful salesperson?
Successful salespeople often possess qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy, resilience, and the ability to build rapport with customers.
How can I become a more effective salesperson?
To become a more effective salesperson, focus on developing habits like active listening, effective time management, continuous learning, and adapting to different selling situations.
What traits should I look for when hiring sales talent?
When hiring sales talent, look for traits such as a competitive spirit, a results-oriented mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle rejection positively.
What are some common habits of highly successful salespeople?
Highly successful salespeople often have habits like setting clear goals, maintaining a disciplined work routine, consistently following up with leads, and regularly seeking self-improvement.
How important is adaptability in the field of sales?
Adaptability is crucial in sales because the industry is dynamic and customer needs can change rapidly. Sales professionals who can adapt to different situations and customer preferences tend to excel.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.