5 Bad Habits Sales People Need to Stop

Sales is a profession built on trust, respect, and strong communication. But some habits can damage your credibility before you even get the chance to make your pitch.

Over my career, I have been on countless sales calls—some great, some painful, and some that left me shaking my head. And while every seller has room for improvement, there are a few bad habits that are not about training or experience; they are just common sense.

If you want to stand out and close more deals, here are five bad habits you need to break immediately.

1. Being Consistently Late

We all get stuck in traffic or have unexpected delays, but chronic lateness is more than just an inconvenience—it is a sign of disrespect for your prospect’s time.

✅ Plan ahead. Add buffer time for travel or tech setup.
✅ Aim to be early. It is better to wait a few minutes than to rush in flustered.

Being on time is not just about good manners—it sets the tone for a professional, trustworthy relationship.

2. Interrupting or Talking Over Prospects

Picture this: You ask your prospect a question, and as they start answering, you jump in with your next point. Sound familiar?

Talking over people is not just rude—it’s bad sales. It makes prospects feel unheard and unimportant. Sales is about listening just as much as talking.

✅ Let them finish before responding.
✅ Use active listening—nod, take notes, and acknowledge their points.

When you truly listen, you gain valuable insights and build stronger connections.

3. Weak Handshakes & Poor First Impressions

Your handshake says a lot about your confidence. A weak or hesitant handshake can make you seem unsure of yourself.

✅ Offer a firm, but not crushing, handshake.
✅ Make eye contact and introduce yourself clearly.

✅Say your name clearly and slowly.

First impressions matter. You want to come across as professional, confident and engaged.

4. Relying Too Much on Visual Aids

We can admit it—technology fails at times. I was doing a sales call at Google, and they could not get the tech to work, so it made me feel better. If Google has issues, odds are you will at one time too. If you can not pitch your product without a PowerPoint, you are not selling—you are reading.

✅ Know your value proposition inside and out.
✅ Be prepared to engage in conversation without slides or scripts.

Great salespeople sell with words, stories, and confidence—not just visuals.

5. Failing to Follow Up

Too many salespeople drop the ball after a meeting. Whether there is an immediate opportunity or not, following up is key.

✅ Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
✅ Add value—share a relevant article, insight, or next steps.

Even if the deal does not happen today, staying on their radar can open doors in the future.

Final Thoughts

Bad habits can cost you sales, but the good news? They are fixable. By being punctual, listening actively, making a strong first impression, mastering your pitch, and following up consistently, you will set yourself apart from the competition.