Salespeople Are Not Born in Maternity Wards
In all my years of living, I have never heard this announcement: “Breaking news, in Glen View, a bouncing baby girl has been born… and she is a natural salesperson!”
Come on, my people, babies cry for milk, not customers. They scream “Maaaa!” not “Discount, please!”
The truth is simple salespeople are not born. They are made. Trained. Sharpened. Molded.
From Introvert to Big Sales Numbers
Let me give you a real example. I once had an introverted young lady join my organisation. The type who would avoid eye contact, hide behind her desk, and pray no one asked her to say hello.
At first, she was shy, quiet, almost invisible. But with training, coaching, and the right mindset, that same girl is now closing deals so big she makes extroverts look like amateurs.
Her journey proves one thing: sales is not about personality, it’s about training and attitude.
The African Misconception
Too often in Africa, we say things like:
-
“That one was born to talk, they’re a natural salesperson.”
-
“Sales is not for me, I’m too shy.”
Nonsense. Even the most confident talker can fail in sales if they lack skill. And the quietest introvert can shine if they learn the craft.
It’s not about being born with “the gift of the gab.” It’s about discipline, practice, and willingness to grow.
Sales Is a Skill, Not a Gift
Think about it: nobody says, “She was born an accountant,” or “He was born a doctor.” So why do we treat sales differently?
Sales is like learning to drive. At first you stall the car, panic at the roundabout, and nearly crash into a kombi. But with practice, you glide smoothly through Samora Machel Avenue like a pro.
Lesson for Businesses
If you’re running a company in Africa, stop hunting for “natural salespeople.” They don’t exist. Hunt for attitude**.** Then train, mentor, and equip.
Because the right training can turn a shy introvert into your top revenue earner.
So next time someone tells you “salespeople are born, not made”, ask them: “Really? Where? In Glen View Maternity Ward?”
Salespeople are made, not born. And the only difference between failure and success in sales is the right attitude plus proper training.
By The Chartered Vendor
#AfricanBusiness #SalesTraining #EntrepreneurshipAfrica #MadeNotBorn #SalesTipsAfrica #BusinessWisdom #GrowthMindset
