A remarkable leader is someone who inspires and motivates others in their pursuit of goals. Effectual communication and a clear vision for achievement are imperative attributes. A great leader is bold enough to make challenging decisions and take calculated risks, adept at performing under pressure and managing difficult situations.
In doing so, such leaders will make mistakes. But the key to successful leadership is learning from these mistakes, for which there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Yet, there are some signs of a leader who is willing to learn from their mistakes. These indicators such as contemplating the cause of an error, communicating their analysis and results to others, and safeguarding the future course of actions are also reminiscent of a good leader in sales, more so in direct selling.
The unique opportunities in direct selling warrant unique skills and traits among leaders that would help them harness the benefits optimally. These traits include being self-motivated, goal-oriented, persuasive, open to feedback, and having strong values. In this article, we will look at 5 such traits of a good leader in direct selling.
Self-motivated
The adage ‘leadership begins with self’ holds equally true in direct selling. Before a leader in direct selling can motivate and influence their teammates, they need to do so with themselves. Often, direct selling can appear competitive and individualistic in pursuit. However good leaders will always seek help to keep themselves motivated if they are supposed to lead a team in the long run.
Burnouts, discouragement and failed sales conversions can be disheartening for a leader in direct selling. However, one of the traits of a good leader is to keep oneself motivated by focusing on the larger picture of long-term goals while surrounding oneself with high achievers who will continue to push these leaders to excellence as well.
Goal-oriented
An indispensable trait of a good leader in direct selling that also helps them stay motivated is being goal-oriented. Keeping an eye on the long road ahead while focusing on day-to-day actionable steps sets a good leader apart in direct selling.
To achieve this, the leader sets clear and specific goals on what results they want to derive from their short, medium and long-term actions. These are not just sales goals but also encompass other related objectives that a leader wishes to achieve.
These goals could include revenue goals, team-building goals, communication goals, networking goals, and even administrative goals. Good leaders in direct selling are aware that a lack of setting goals may lead them to accomplish things that they didn’t wish to. Such leaders understand that it is as important to determine how you get there as it is to know where to go.
Persuasive
Persuasion is the key that unlocks conversion in sales, unexplored avenues, and untapped potential of the team and customers. A good leader will use persuasion to not only influence results but also inspire a community-building vision among teammates and customers alike in direct selling.
As such, direct selling involves a unique set of challenges, especially in terms of consumer beliefs around the legitimacy of sales and the quality of products. Through persuasion, a good direct-selling leader can be level-headed and put to rest any concerns, all while communicating authenticity and influencing followers.
One need not be born with this trait, but leaders can develop persuasion by ensuring the following:
- Being self-aware – Charismatic leaders tend to inspire people and stir societal changes. But at the core of this influence lies the ability to self-reflect and correct any personality or operative flaws to become an authentic leader.
- Clear communication – When attempting to persuade, leaders make sure that their communication is unambiguous. They must be readily understood.
- Respect – Good direct-selling leaders do not limit their communication and relationship with followers and customers to a transactional level. They imbue confidence by treating everyone around them with respect as fellow collaborators including customers.
- Elicit support – Their authenticity and credibility help such leaders become persuasive by eliciting support from all sorts of people around them. While followers and team members express support by adopting their vision, customers trust them with sales and long-term relations.
- Consistency – Persuasive leaders walk the talk and maintain consistency in their behaviours. They are known to largely stick to the same behavioural patterns and repetitive actions that help build trust among customers and followers alike. Such consistency ensures a long-lasting commitment from all stakeholders.
Open To Feedback
The ability to listen and receive feedback with an open mind is a superpower. Leaders in the direct selling industry who are able to acknowledge customer feedback and engagement reap long-term benefits of gaining their trust and an enhanced rapport. It is the ability to accept that ‘to err is human’ and being open to suggestions around minimising mistakes and failures that lead to deeper engagement and sustained relationships with customers.
Read More: Effective Follow-Up Strategies: How to turn leads into QNET customers
A leader who can openly receive feedback is someone who wants to learn how to be a better version of themselves. They understand that learning not only helps them understand the world better but also how to interact with others, especially customers. They are bold enough to face hard truths about their current state and shape because they value the outcome of the feedback.
A good leader recognises the fact that feedback is not always meant to be negative. Instead, they can carry kernels of truth that can revolutionize the way direct selling operates and enhance results such as the quality of products or sales.
Strong Values
Great values define the why behind the what which can make or break any business, more so in direct selling. Values such as uncompromised quality, punctuality, and honesty ensure the long-term sustainability of goals and actions. A leader who is punctual communicates that they value the person they are meeting which goes on to build trust and commitment.
Acquiring such traits is not difficult but requires intentionality. Having such traits can set one apart in direct selling as a leader. It is important to surround yourself with positive people who will help you acquire such leadership qualities. By joining QNET India, direct selling leaders are able to stand out and excel in all walks of their lives and achieve personal growth and self-improvement. By acquiring these traits, you too can be a great leader in direct selling business.
FAQs
What are the traits of a good leader in direct selling?
The unique opportunities in direct selling warrant unique skills and traits among leaders that would help them harness the benefits optimally. These traits include being self-motivated, goal-oriented, persuasive, open to feedback, and strong values.
Why is it important to be persuasive in direct selling?
Persuasion is the key that unlocks conversion in sales, unexplored avenues, and untapped potential of the team and customers. A good leader will use persuasion to not only influence results but also inspire a community-building vision among teammates and customers alike in direct selling.
How does QNET help in becoming a good leader in direct selling?
By partnering with QNET, direct selling leaders are able to stand out and excel in all walks of their lives and achieve personal growth and self-improvement. By acquiring these traits, you too can be a great leader in direct selling business.
