Test Yourself: Are You a Good Salesperson?
Rather listen than read? Check out or Spotify.

You’ve nailed the pitch. Your handshake is firm (but not too firm). Your smile could close deals all on its own. But does that really make you a good salesperson? The truth is, being a great salesperson is about so much more than charm and charisma. It’s about strategy, empathy, and a sprinkle of relentless determination. So, let’s put your skills to the test. Ready to find out if you’re the real deal? Let’s go!

Test 1: How Well Do You Listen?

Be honest: during a sales call, are you actually listening to your prospect, or are you just waiting for your turn to talk? Great salespeople are master listeners. They don’t just hear what’s being said—they pick up on what’s not being said. They ask the right questions, dig deeper, and use the information they gather to craft a solution tailored to the customer’s needs.

The Challenge: next time you’re in a meeting, try speaking less than 30% of the time. Use the rest of the time to ask thoughtful questions and really pay attention to the answers. If you can do that, you’re well on your way to sales greatness.

Test 2: Can You Handle Rejection Like a Pro?

Let’s face it—no one likes rejection. But in sales, it’s inevitable. The real test of a great salesperson isn’t whether they hear “no”—it’s how they respond to it. Do you sulk and take it personally? Or do you analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and come back stronger?

The Challenge: keep a “no” journal. Every time you lose a deal, jot down what you learned from the experience and how you’ll improve next time. If you can turn rejection into a stepping stone, you’ve got the resilience every great salesperson needs.

Test 3: How Well Do You Know Your Product?

If you can’t explain the value of what you’re selling in a way that’s clear and compelling, you’re in trouble. The best salespeople know their product inside and out. They’re not just reciting features—they’re demonstrating how those features solve real problems for their customers.

The Challenge: imagine a prospect who knows nothing about your product. Can you explain it in 30 seconds without jargon? If you can’t, it’s time to hit the books (or the product manual).

Test 4: Are You Persistent (Without Being Annoying)?

There’s a fine line between persistence and pestering. Great salespeople know how to stay on a prospect’s radar without crossing the line. They follow up strategically, offering value at every touchpoint, rather than just “checking in” or asking if there’s been a decision yet.

The Challenge: audit your follow-ups. Are they adding value, or are they just generic reminders? If they’re the latter, switch things up. Share a relevant article, case study, or insight that shows you’re thinking about the prospect’s needs—not just your own.

Test 5: Can You Build Real Relationships?

People buy from people they trust. It’s that simple. The best salespeople don’t just close deals—they build long-term relationships. They’re genuinely interested in their customers and invested in their success.

The Challenge: think about your last five deals. Are you still in touch with those customers? If not, reach out—and not just to sell them something new. Check in, see how they’re doing, and offer support. Building relationships isn’t just good for your customers; it’s good for your career.

Test 6: Are You Always Learning?

Sales is constantly evolving. What worked five years ago might not work today. The best salespeople are lifelong learners. They’re always looking for new strategies, tools, and insights to improve their game.

The Challenge: commit to learning something new about sales every week. It could be a book, a podcast, a webinar, or even just a conversation with a mentor. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.

Test 7: How Well Do You Manage Your Time?

Time is money—especially in sales. The best salespeople are ruthlessly efficient. They know how to prioritize their leads, focus on high-value activities, and avoid getting bogged down in busywork.

The Challenge: track your time for a week. How much of it are you spending on activities that directly contribute to closing deals? If you’re spending more time on admin than on selling, it’s time to reevaluate your workflow.

Test 8: Are You Adaptable?

No two prospects are the same, and neither are two sales cycles. The best salespeople know how to adapt their approach based on the situation. They’re flexible, creative, and always ready to pivot when things don’t go as planned.

The Challenge: think back to your last deal. Did you stick to a script, or did you adapt your approach based on the prospect’s needs and responses? If it’s the former, challenge yourself to be more flexible next time.

Final Score: How Did You Do?

So, how did you stack up? If you’re crushing these tests, congratulations—you’re probably a rockstar salesperson! If not, don’t worry. Every great salesperson started somewhere, and the fact that you’re reading this means you’re already committed to improving.

Remember, sales isn’t just a job—it’s a craft. The more you refine your skills, the better you’ll get. So, take these challenges to heart, keep learning, and keep growing. Who knows? The next deal you close could be your best one yet.