Funny Sales Habits: Involuntary Behaviors That Impact Deals
In the sales world, even the most experienced professionals can develop unexpected habits.
These funny quirks often arise from a combination of stress, a desire to connect with clients, and being nervous in high-pressure situations.
Recognizing these amusing behaviors is key to sales success, as it allows you to refine your approach and build stronger connections with clients.
Here are some common funny sales habits and how to improve them:
Getting Too Close for Comfort
Have you ever caught yourself inching closer to customers while talking?
This can lead to an awkward dance where the customer would back up, and you would follow.
It's like an unintentional game of cat and mouse!
This is especially common in face-to-face B2B sales meetings.
Overdoing the Listening Cues
Many salespeople catch themselves:
Nodding and smiling way too much
Mouthing words along with the customer
Staring intensely without blinking
Unintentionally shaking their head "yes" the entire time a client is speaking
While they're trying to show they're paying attention, it can come off a bit strange.
These habits often develop when trying to master consultative selling techniques.
Verbal Tics and Filler Words
Common speaking quirks include:
Saying things twice
Overusing words like "um" or "you know"
Talking too fast or changing voice pitch
The "So" Syndrome
One salesperson found out they said "so" 80 times in a one-hour meeting!
These habits are especially noticeable when selling boring B2B products.
Stress-Induced Behaviors
The pressure to make a sale can cause some embarrassing reactions:
Unexpected gas during meetings
Scratching the back of the head
Clicking pens non-stop
These involuntary actions often happen when you are feeling the heat, particularly in high-stakes executive sales meetings.
Unusual Ways to Connect
Some salespeople try unique methods to bond with clients:
Talking about personal stuff like family
Using humor, like pretending to be a missionary to break the ice
Writing notes while maintaining creepy eye contact
While these can work sometimes, they might also backfire if not done right.
It's important to find a balance, especially when selling seemingly boring products.
Personal Anecdote: The Head Tilt
One salesperson shared a particularly funny story:
"I noticed in a Teams video recording that I tilt and incline my head when listening to the prospect sometimes. I look like a dog when someone plays harmonica to it when they cock their heads. It’s my involuntary way of saying 'I hear you. I understand. I’m listening and you have my full attention,' but every time I catch myself doing it, I’m like, 'What are you doing right now?'"
This quirk is especially common in remote sales jobs, where video calls are the norm.
How to Improve
Recognizing these quirks is the first step. You can:
Practice active listening without going overboard
Use silence instead of repeating themselves
Record meetings to spot areas for improvement
Be mindful of personal space
To excel in sales and overcome these funny habits, consider investing in your professional development.
Many successful salespeople find that comprehensive sales training programs can help them refine their skills and techniques.
These programs often cover key areas such as:
Giving effective sales presentations
Improving prospecting techniques
Enhancing negotiation skills
Mastering closing techniques
You can communicate better and build stronger connections with customers by working on these habits and investing in your professional development.
For more tips, check out our guide on the best sales training resources.
And That’s It
Everyone has funny quirks—it's part of being human.
The key is to use your personality to connect genuinely with clients and boost your sales success, whether you're in a traditional office setting or working remotely.
These amusing habits are a natural part of being human in a high-stakes profession.
You can turn these funny behaviors into strengths that set you apart in Sales by recognizing and working on them and also investing in quality sales training.
For more insights on building a successful sales career, explore our archive or learn more about us.
Additional Resources
If you're looking for specific sales training programs, many professionals in the field recommend courses by renowned experts like Brian Tracy.
These programs offer practical, results-oriented approaches to improving your sales skills.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Now that you're aware of these funny sales habits and how to improve them, why not explore new opportunities to put your skills to the test?
Check out our weekly roundup of top remote sales jobs and stay updated on the latest trends in remote sales opportunities.
P.S. Feel free to share your own funny sales habits in the comments below.
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