Some say that the best sales professionals are born, not taught, but that’s not necessarily the case. While some salespeople have a winning personality and an innate talent for building rapport with others, anyone can cultivate the traits required to be an effective and successful sales professional.

Michael Boyko, a sales professional and sales training expert, has narrowed down five traits of top performers. Professionals who exemplify these characteristics rise to the top in their field—whether they’re sales reps competing for a sale or they’re athletes going for the gold.

Want to elevate your sales career or help develop your reps? Keep reading this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, where we share Boyko’s five P’s that will take you to the top of your game.

1. Push. The most successful people in any field do not rest on their laurels—they continue moving forward and keep striving to make new accomplishments. Boyko says phenomenal people want to succeed in what they do, and they have a strong drive to conquer their goals gracefully.

2. Persistence. Salespeople are accustomed to being brushed off, rejected and hearing the word “no.” However, they do not let this sideline them. Instead they continue trying their best and giving their all every day, even when it’s difficult. According to Boyko, what sets a phenomenal person apart from the rest is how fast they get back up and what they do with the situation once they are back on their feet. If you want to be the best you can be, accept that you will experience challenges and setbacks, but train yourself to keep going anyway.

3. Positivity. Learning how to look on the bright side serves professionals well in all fields. Boyko says you can train yourself to be a positive thinker by visualizing what you want and knowing that you can eventually get there. You can also commit to countering every negative thought with three positive thoughts. It takes effort to be positive and constantly battle between positive and negative thoughts. But one side will always win. Phenomenal people will always make sure the positive side wins, says Boyko.

4. Practice. A wise person once said, “When you are not practicing, remember that somewhere someone is practicing, and when you meet them, they will win.” If you want to be the best in sales, you must practice. And this takes patience, notes Boyko. You must first understand that practicing is not what really matters—it’s what you put into the practice that counts. Practice with an unrivaled drive. Phenomenal top performers put their heart and soul into practice.

5. Patience. You know the saying: Good things come to those who wait for them. It can be difficult to be patient during challenging times. You may feel like you want to throw in the towel, but it’s during the most difficult times that you will often grow the most. Cultivate patience and watch yourself rise above those who give up when the going gets tough.

Becoming a highly successful sales professional starts with developing the traits of top performers. The best salespeople demonstrate drive, perseverance, an upbeat attitude, a willingness to put in the work and an ability to wait patiently. When you intentionally cultivate the 5 P’s above, you will help differentiate yourself as one of the best.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Michael Boyko is a sales professional and sales training expert. He contributes to the Sales Gravy blog.: