Survive Your First Sales Slump
Forty steps to survive and learn from your first sales slump, calmly and without losing heart.
A slump is a season, not a verdict. It passes faster when you stay active.
22 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Psychology of Selling (Brian Tracy), Secrets of Closing the Sale (Zig Ziglar), To Sell Is Human (Daniel Pink), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Know that slumps are normal
Almost every seller has quiet stretches. Knowing this keeps worry from doubling the problem.
Tell yourself, “This is a season.”
Check the numbers first
Is activity down, or is conversion down?
Count calls and conversations this month.
Compare with earlier months
A pattern may show seasonality or a real change.
Look at the last six months.
Look at your pipeline
Slumps often follow a thin pipeline weeks earlier.
Count leads at each stage.
Look at the market
Sometimes the whole market is slow.
Ask peers how they are doing.
Review the basics
Are you asking, following up and listening?
Write the three basics you may have dropped.
Re-check your targeting
Are you still calling the right people?
Review your ideal customer.
Re-check your message
Does your opening still fit today’s needs?
Rewrite your first sentence.
Re-check your follow-up
Many sales are lost to silence.
Follow up on five open leads.
Ask a manager to listen in
A fresh ear can spot a habit you cannot.
Request a call review.
Ask a peer for ideas
Others often have a simple fix.
Ask over coffee.
Record and review your calls
Listen for pace, questions and tone.
Listen to two calls.
Increase activity gently
More conversations usually cure slumps.
Add five calls a day.
Try one small change
Test a new opening or question.
Pick one change for a week.
Try a new time of day
People answer at different times.
Call at a new hour.
Learn a new skill
Use quiet time to grow.
Read one chapter.
Avoid comparing
Slumps feel worse in comparison.
Skip the leaderboard for a week.
Do not blame yourself
Look for causes, not guilt.
Write facts, not judgments.
Keep your standards
Do not slide into sloppy work.
Do each task well.
Keep a long view
One quarter is not a career.
Write your three-year picture.
Notice early signs of recovery
A reply, a meeting, a lead.
List small positive signs.
Record what helped
You will meet slumps again.
Write a slump plan.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“Slumps happen to everyone.”
“I will focus on what I can control.”
“Could you review my approach with me?”
“What is this slump teaching me?”
“This will turn.”
“Thank you for your support.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Count your recent activity
Review the basics
Ask for help
Change one small thing
Do an extra five calls
Rest well
Celebrate a small gain
Further reading
- The Psychology of Selling (Brian Tracy)
- Secrets of Closing the Sale (Zig Ziglar)
- To Sell Is Human (Daniel Pink)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “The Confident Seller”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Say Your Wins Out LoudNext: Protect Your Energy Like Money →
- You Are Already a Salesperson
- Throw Away the Pushy Salesman Picture
- Believe in What You Sell
- Silence Your Inner Critic
- Your First 90 Seconds of Courage
- Borrow Confidence You Do Not Feel Yet
- Celebrate the Small Win Every Day
- Why "No" Is Not About You
- The Rejection Reset in 60 Seconds
- Turn Every No Into a Lesson
- Ask for Feedback Without Fear
- The Numbers Game Made Simple
- Bounce Back After a Bad Call
- Why Great Sellers Hear Thousands of Noes
- Breathe Away Pre-Call Panic
- Your Pre-Meeting Ritual
- Stand Like Someone Worth Hearing
- The Power Pose Myth and What Really Helps
- Sound Calm When You Feel Shaky
- What to Do When Your Mind Goes Blank
- Speak Slower, Sell Better
- Sell to Serve, Not to Impress
- The Giver's Edge
- See Your Customer as a Real Person
- Your Job Is to Solve, Not to Push
- Be Proud of the Value You Bring
- Lead With Honesty Every Time
- The Quiet Power of Integrity
- Start Your Day Like a Pro
- Set Goals You Can Actually Hit
- The Two-Minute Daily Review
- Read, Listen, Learn: 15 Minutes a Day
- Find a Mentor Who Pushes You
- Say Your Wins Out Loud
- Survive Your First Sales Slump
- Protect Your Energy Like Money
- When Sales Are Slow, Do This
- Stay Hopeful in a Long Sales Cycle
- Turn Pressure Into Focus
- Become the Seller You Admire
