Ask HN: How to learn sales?

Article summary

A first-time entrepreneur is seeking advice on how to learn sales, as they believe it is a key to success in their startup. They have an engineering background and no prior sales experience. They are looking for resources such as books, videos, and tutorials to learn about sales and metrics to track. The entrepreneur wants to know where to start and how to improve their sales skills.

Main themes

• sales skills
• marketing vs sales
• learning resources
• customer understanding
• rejection and perseverance
• sales process
• advertising and marketing

What commenters say

• Sales is a metrics-driven endeavor that requires a different approach than engineering.
• Learning sales requires practice, such as selling something to passersby, and can be improved through books and tutorials.
• Separating sales from marketing is important, with sales being a conversation and marketing being a broadcast or message.
• Advertising is a part of marketing, but some argue that it should be distinguished as a separate activity.
• Successful sales is about listening to customers, but also requires articulating a destination and showcasing benefits.
• Understanding the customer is often more valuable than just listening to them.
• Sales can be broken down into foundation, lead generation, persuasion, and resale.
• Getting over rejection is a crucial part of learning sales and becoming successful.