In today's challenging marketplace, successful selling requires much more than just presenting a product or service to a prospect. A salesperson is increasingly expected to be a complex hybrid of marketing specialist, consultant, customer service representative, and confidant to make a sale and maintain a customer.

It's time for a reality check. Salespeople are simply a dime a dozen.  However, trusted resources and business partners are hard to find and definitely worth their weight in gold to businesses and decision-makers. The more value that you can provide; the less chance that you will be replaced.

Those who have hung on to pre-recession selling techniques are being left in the dust by multi-tasking sales professionals who are more than willing to roll up their sleeves and help their customers in any and every capacity.

Having to wear so many hats to improve sales effectiveness is daunting but also absolutely necessary. Is it realistic? You bet! With the following best practices, you can dramatically ramp up your sales capabilities and ensure that you are your customers' solutions provider and not merely a vendor. If you're ready to redefine yourself as an indispensable resource and partner, read on.

Ask Lots of Questions
Ask the right questions, and your prospect will tell you what they need, when and why they need it, and how much they'll pay for it. Probing for information is a fundamental component to success as a salesperson. You know what they say about those who assume. So, don't fall into the trap of thinking you know what someone wants or needs. You'll never go wrong by being genuinely interested and inquisitive.