Certain keys, while applicable to everyone in creating a life of long-term happiness, are particularly relevant to the sales professional. They provide fertile ground on which to not only increase one's happiness, but to maximize the efficacy of one's sales efforts as well.  The top five happiness tips are:

Perform random acts of kindness each day. While any act of kindness to another person will suffice (e.g., offering to assist someone in need, providing directions to a stranger, or helping a co-worker), as a business professional, you might send along a gift to a prospect, invite a prospect to a fun event, or refer business to a prospect.

Express gratitude.  Write in a "gratitude journal" five things you are grateful for once a week or send a gratitude letter to someone in your life.  As a business professional, you might consider writing down the names of all of your existing customers or writing a letter to an existing customer thanking that person for his or her business.

Emphathize with others.  When we empathize with others, we put ourselves in their shoes and try to see things from their point of view.  We try to feel the way they feel. By empathizing with other people, we are better able to develop friendships with them, communicate with them, and understand them.  In other words, we are able to build and sustain better relationships with others.  Better relationships with others make us happier.  Empathy is critical for sales professionals.  If, as a sales professional, you cannot put yourself in your prospect’s shoes, that is, you cannot understand his needs, concerns or goals, then, the likelihood of bringing about a sale is vastly reduced.  A disconnect between a buyer and a seller is likely to arise, defeating the goal of either party.

Take risks. Routines deaden us. While comforting and safe, they have a way of slowly reducing our zest for life and our ambition. But we must take risks in life. If the risk is a calculated one, our level of satisfaction will be priceless, regardless of whether we succeed or fail. As a sales professional, you must be willing to take risks, including reaching for larger markets, trying a new sales pitch, or learning a new niche in your  industry to increase your chances of securing new business.

Lead.  We need to be leaders in this world. We need to have a vision for ourselves in life and inspire others around us.  Leaders are brave, they go first and they are necessary to move things forward.  They ensure that things are being handled properly and that there is a plan. People like to know there is a plan because it gives them confidence that things will be OK.

By
J.B. Brocato, Esq.

J.B. Brocato, Esq., is the CEO of Intense Coaching and Consulting Worldwide, a life coaching and business development firm that harnesses the best in people. As a Certified Professional Coach, he specializes in the empowerment of professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs to live happier, more fulfilling lives. He is the author of the book, A Service Provider's Guide to Starting a Unique Business Networking Group.