10 essential traits that will make you a better salesperson

Sales reps have the difficult task of convincing buyers to put trust in them and the products they're representing. While you don't want to come off as pushy to consumers, you must appeal to them in a personalized way that considers their perspective and needs. This will help them trust you and your business so they'll feel more comfortable working with you.

To help you improve your sales skills, we asked the experts of Business Journals Leadership Trust about the most important traits every salesperson should be cultivating. Here's what they had to say.

10. Optimism

Be optimistic. In my opinion, optimism comes from having gratitude, and they go hand-in-hand. Incorporate gratitude into a daily routine by acknowledging not only the things you have but also the things you want in life — as if you already have them. This turns into optimism, allows you to believe in all that you do. It's that belief that brings value to those around you, including customers. – Nick Stanitz-Harper, Edison Interactive