Give Value, Stay Disciplined, Be Real: The Unshakable Traits of Sales Success
Happy Monday! As the new week begins, it’s the perfect time to check in with yourself—not just on your to-do list, but on how you're showing up.
There’s a lot that goes into building success in sales or business: skills, systems, follow-up strategies, time blocking, CRM tools, marketing plans... the list goes on.
But beyond the tactics and tools, the real game-changer comes down to how you carry yourself each day.
So I want to pose a few questions to reflect on as you go into this week:
Are you showing up to take—or to give?
Are you following up with intention and consistency?
Are you staying disciplined, even on the days motivation feels miles away?
Are you leading with authenticity, transparency, and honesty?
These aren’t just nice-to-have traits—they’re foundational pillars of long-term, sustainable success in sales and business. Let’s break down why.
1. Are You Showing Up to Take… or to Give?
Let’s get real—there are two kinds of people in sales.
Those who show up to take—the ones chasing the close, obsessing over their own numbers, and asking, “What’s in it for me?”
And then there are those who show up to give—the ones focused on serving, adding value, solving problems, and showing up fully for their clients and communities.
Guess which group wins in the long run?
It’s always the givers.
Sales is a value exchange. And when your presence, your follow-up, your social media posts, and your conversations are centered around service over self, everything changes.
Because when people feel seen, heard, and helped, they remember you. They refer you. They trust you.
Here’s a quick way to shift your perspective: Instead of asking, “What do I want to get out of this call/meeting/post?”, try asking, “What does the person on the other side need from me right now?”
That question alone will change your tone, your strategy, and your results.
2. Are You Truly Following Up? (Be Honest!)
We all know follow-up is critical. But let’s be honest—how consistent is yours, really?
The fortune isn’t just in the follow-up—it’s in the quality and timing of it.
Do you follow up once or twice and then stop?
Do you reach out only when you need something?
Do your follow-ups feel transactional—or do they build connection?
Great follow-up is about staying top of mind without becoming a nuisance. It’s about layering in touchpoints that bring value, insight, or simply a human connection.
Sometimes that means sending a helpful article. Other times, it means a voice note just checking in. Sometimes, it means remembering their kid’s name or congratulating them on a life event. And yes, sometimes it’s circling back when they ghosted you three weeks ago.
Don’t take silence personally. And don’t confuse “not now” with “never.”
Be the one who stays present without being pushy—and watch how many “no’s” quietly turn into “yes” when the timing is right.
3. Are You Staying Disciplined When Motivation Fades?
Motivation is wonderful—but it’s fleeting.
Discipline is what builds businesses.
On the good days, discipline feels easy. You’re in flow, things are working, and you feel on top of the world.
But what about the slow days? The no-response days? The “I’d rather do anything but make these calls” days?
That’s where success is built.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to feel like doing it in order to do it well.
Consistency breeds confidence. Discipline creates freedom. And the more you show up—especially when it’s hard—the more trust you build with yourself.
You don’t have to go full throttle every day. But you do have to stay in motion. Even small actions done consistently can change the trajectory of your business.
If you’re feeling stuck, try this:
Block 90 minutes in your calendar this week just for revenue-generating activities
Pick 5 people to reconnect with
Send 3 handwritten notes
Record a 60-second video that provides a quick tip to your audience
Keep it simple. But stay in the game.
4. Are You Leading with Authenticity, Transparency, and Honesty?
Let’s talk about the secret sauce.
The best salespeople I know aren’t the most polished. They’re not the most aggressive. They’re not always the ones with the flashiest tools or the slickest pitches.
They’re the ones who are real.
They’re honest about what they can and can’t do. They tell the truth, even when it’s not convenient. They admit when they don’t know something—and then go find the answer. They treat people like people, not transactions.
And here’s the part that matters: clients can feel that.
Authenticity builds trust.
Transparency builds relationships.
Honesty builds loyalty.
You don’t need to “perform.” You don’t need to put on a mask. You don’t need to have all the right words.
You just need to show up as you—with integrity, with heart, and with a genuine desire to help.
That’s the kind of presence that leaves a lasting impression.
Bringing It All Together: A Week of Purposeful Action
So, what do we do with all of this?
We take purposeful action.
Here’s a weekly challenge to help you apply this mindset:
Audit your intention
– Are you showing up to serve or to sell?
– Choose one moment this week to lead with pure value—no ask.Upgrade your follow-up
– Identify 5 leads or past clients who’ve gone quiet.
– Reach out with something useful, personal, or timely—not just a “checking in.”Stick to your discipline
– Choose one non-negotiable activity and commit to doing it daily.
– Track it, even if it only takes 10 minutes. Win the reps.Be honest—even if it’s uncomfortable
– In one conversation this week, share a truth that builds trust.
– It could be a boundary, a transparent insight, or simply saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
If you do even half of this, you’ll start to feel a shift—in your energy, your conversations, and your momentum.
You’re Closer Than You Think
The gap between where you are and where you want to be is often smaller than it seems.
It’s not about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more of who you already are—disciplined, thoughtful, valuable, and real.
You don’t need more tricks. You don’t need to hustle harder.
You need to show up, follow through, lead with heart, and stay in the game.
So here’s your reminder for the week:
Stay consistent
Stay connected
Stay honest
Stay YOU
And as always—if you need anything, I’m here.
Let’s keep going. Let’s grow. And let’s crush this week together.
-Alexa DePaolo
