The #1 Skill That Predicts Sales Success (Science Backed)

Research just busted a major sales hiring myth...

The strongest predictor of sales success isn't:

It's ADAPTIVE SELLING.

Science speaks: A meta-analysis of 139 studies revealed that the ability to read and adapt to different customer situations trumps all other predictors of sales success.

Think about your top performers: They excel because they can:

Yet in most hiring processes:

✓We assess experience

✓ We ask about quota attainment

✓ We verify product knowledge

? But do we evaluate adaptability?

Question for hiring managers: How do you assess a candidate's ability to adapt their selling style? 

"Always be closing" - the most dangerous myth in sales hiring.

Science has spoken:

A meta-analysis of 139 studies revealed a clear truth...

Candidates obsessed with closing deals are NOT your best performers.

The real champions?

Those who are obsessed with solving customer problems.

Let that sink in.

The data shows:

Your top performers are customer-focused sellers who:

• Take time to deeply understand business challenges

• Say NO to deals that aren't the right fit

• Build relationships instead of pushing transactions

• Focus on customer outcomes over quick wins

The evidence is clear:

Customer orientation is a stronger predictor of sales success than closing skills.

Hiring managers: What's your go-to interview question to assess a candidate's customer focus? 

Stop confusing confidence with charisma

Science reveals something fascinating:

A meta-analysis of 139 studies identified genuine self-confidence as one of the top 3 predictors of sales success.

Yes, you read that right.

It's not about being the loudest in the room.

It's about having the confidence to:

• Stay composed during tough negotiations

• Challenge customer assumptions respectfully

• Navigate uncertainty with clarity

• Handle rejection without losing momentum

But here's where most hiring processes fail:

We mistake bravado for real confidence.

We confuse extroversion with self-assurance.

We overlook quiet confidence in favor of charisma.

The science is clear:

True self-confidence - backed by competence - drives sales success.

Hiring managers: What signals help you distinguish between genuine confidence and mere bravado in interviews?

Quota Blindness: The Hidden Danger in Your Sales Hiring Process

Money vs. Problem-Solving: The Unexpected Truth About Top Salespeople

We asked. You answered.

Here are the surprising results:

67% said top salespeople are driven by solving problems.

Not money. 

Science agrees.

A massive study analyzed 139 independent researches.

Spanning four decades.

The verdict?

"Customer orientation" is a key predictor of  B2B SaaS sales success.

It's about understanding customer needs.

Satisfying them.

But wait.

Money matters too.

Early career? It's a powerful motivator.

It fuels the hustle.

Drives growth.

Yet, there's a twist.

Financial success achieved?

Motivation can wane.

Results might drop.

The hunger fades.

So, here's the million-dollar question:

What's YOUR experience? Money or problem-solving?

Share stories of your sales top performers 👇

Hiring for sales roles?

Our Sales Rep Profile is a game changer.

Informed Decisions' Sales Representative Job Profile: Your Guide to Precision Hiring

Don't miss it.

Sales Leaders – This One Question Reveals True Drive

Want to know if a candidate has real sales motivation or just likes the idea of sales?

Ask them this:

"Which compensation model would you prefer?"

1️⃣ High base salary, no commissions.
2️⃣ Lower base, high commission potential.

The answer says everything.

Sales winners don’t just accept commission-based pay—they believe in their ability to earn big.

They see financial upside as motivation, not a risk.

Of course, not every sales role is the same. 

But if a candidate hesitates at the idea of performance-based earnings, are they really built for the pressure of sales?

Watch this short clip to see this tactic in action.

Check out the full "Hire Sales Winners" webinar for more game-changing interview strategies.

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/events/hiresaleswinners-10proventactic7256622253704892417/theater/

#sales #interviews #hiresaleswinners #informedecisions

Think Sales-Driven Means Hitting Quota? Think Again

Forget the buzzwords.

Being "sales-driven" isn't just a catchy phrase to put on resumes...

Here's what it ACTUALLY looks like in successful performers:

1. They're PASSIONATE about the win

Not just hitting targets - they get a genuine THRILL from landing new accounts.

It shows in their energy and approach.

2. They're OPPORTUNITY FOCUSED

While others wait for leads...

These reps actively:

• Prospect new accounts

• Find upsell opportunities

• Create conversations

• Open new doors

3. They're MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERS

Not satisfied with just:

LinkedIn outreach ❌

Or just events ❌

Or just referrals ❌

They leverage EVERY possible avenue to reach prospects.

🔥 KEY INSIGHT: Sales-driven professionals understand business dynamics. They develop strong instincts for which prospects are most likely to convert.

Curious about spotting these traits in your next hire?

Watch the full clip here: 

And catch our full webinar to learn how to assess true sales motivation

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/events/hiresaleswinners-10proventactic7256622253704892417/theater/

Simple question: What's your best indicator of a truly sales-driven mindset?

#sales #interviews #informedecisions

What’s the #1 question you’re NOT asking in sales interviews? 

Hint: It’s about failure – and it reveals a TON.

Most of us ask about big wins. 

But what about the battles they walked away from?

In our latest "Hire Sales Winners" webinar, we flip the script:

👉 Normalize giving up.

👉 Ask about the time they quit – and why.

👉 Uncover the reasoning behind their decision.

The goal? To find out if they know when to stop chasing lost causes and whether they gave their all before walking away.

🎥 Curious? Watch this short clip, then check out the full webinar for more sales interview strategies here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/hiresaleswinners-10proventactic7256622253704892417/theater/

#sales #interviews #informedecisions

3 Insider Ways to Spot a True Sales Go-Getter

True sales hustlers speak less and do more.

Our latest webinar unveils how top interviewers decode true ambition:

Caution: This might challenge your conventional interview script.

60-second video preview drops the playbook 👇

Full webinar here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/hiresaleswinners-10proventactic7256622253704892417/theater/

Question: What's your go-to method for identifying a true sales go-getter?

#sales #interviews #informedecisions

#3 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 

Talent isn't about gut feelings.

It's about hard evidence.

Our latest webinar reveals how top companies decode REAL sales drive:

Most miss the hidden signals of hustle

Career progression tells a deeper story

Why top performers REALLY change jobs

Caution: This might challenge your current hiring playbook.

60-second video preview drops the truth 👇

Full webinar about sales motivation here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/hiresaleswinners-10proventactic7256622253704892417/theater/

Question: What's your #1 tactic for assessing sales drive?

#sales #interviews #informedecisions