There’s an art and a science to being great at selling wine. Although it’s a highly consumable product (and let’s face it, everyone wants wine!) there are still some strategies and habits that I see my best wine consultants putting into action consistently to reach a high level of success.
Take a look at these ten traits: how many can you check off, and where could you up your game to be more profitable in your business?
Trait #1: Successful Consultants Treat their Business Like a Business.
Yes, it’s wine, and it’s very social, but running a WineShop at Home business isn’t about having social time or a fun hobby. It’s about having a business… and the goal of a business is to make money. Consultants with this trait keep their eye on the prize.
Trait #2: Successful Consultants Don’t Let Life Get in the Way.
Life is always, always going to happen. Sometimes your kid gets sick on the morning of a big tasting. Sometimes your mom calls right as you’re headed out the door or when you’re in the middle of a project and you need to focus. The most successful consultants always put family first, but they also don’t let life get in the way of their success: they prioritize their business, and set aside time to work on it.
Trait #3: Successful Consultants are Proactive.
Even if they only have one hour a week to work on their business, they make sure and touch all the important parts of their business so that the system can keep working smoothly.
Trait #4: Successful Consultants Give it Their Best.
When these people launch their business, they have an attitude of, “I’m committed. I’m going to give this 100% of my attention and do the best that I can.” They work consistently (even if they only have a limited amount of time per day).
Trait #5: Successful Consultants Educate Themselves in Direct Sales.
You wouldn’t set out to drive across the country without a map, would you? With direct sales, the map is already written for you, complete with the best rest stops and scenic detours along the way. Know your industry of direct sales, understand how it works, and follow the guidelines – no need to reinvent the wheel! Learn from the experts who have done it already.
Trait #6: Successful Consultants are NOT Wine Experts – and They’re Fine with That.
These people know that they’re not the sommelier at an exclusive restaurant, and they don’t try to be. They know that they offer totally different benefits at a tasting: they’re knowledgeable, sure, but mostly they just love wine and they want to have fun with other people who love wine, too! They keep it simple!
Trait #7: Successful Consultants Get Out of Their Comfort Zone.
Are you willing to do the things that other people won’t do? I once had a tasting on my son’s birthday. People were horrified when I told them that I was working instead of celebrating with him at home, but it was okay: we celebrated the next night! I’m not going to sacrifice my family to run a business, but I’m also not going to put my business on the back burner when I know how important it is.
Trait #8: Successful Consultants Make a Plan.
Paperwork, budgeting; who enjoys those tasks? No one! Nevertheless, knowing your bottom line is vital to running a profitable business. Successful consultants crunch the numbers, even if they really don’t want to.
Trait #9: Successful Consultants Attend Events.
It’s very important that wine consultants attend team meetings, conventions and trips they earn with other wine people. These consultants understand the culture of wine and they love it.
Trait #10: Successful Consultants are Willing to Learn from Others.
Across the board, the consultants that struggle think they already know everything. They think they’re super-smarties, nobody can teach them anything and they’re not open to continuing their education. The people who succeed take in feedback and continue their growth, always.