---
title: Can You Learn How to Sell – Or Do You Need Innate Ability?
description: If your success was dependent on your ability to learn how to sell vs. innate ability, how would that impact your perception of your performance?
image: https://www.jillkonrath.com/hs-fs/file-2508159325-jpg/Blog_Images/can-you-learn-how-to-sell-small.jpg
---

# [Jill Konrath](https://www.jillkonrath.com/)

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I want to get you thinking today, so here’s my question:

### If research showed that sales was 100% a learned skill, how would that impact your perception of your own success – or lack of it – today?

I know that sounds strange to ask, but bear with me. If it was true, how would it impact how you reacted to a competitive loss or when your prospect decided to not do anything?

- Would you be more curious in terms of where you blew it or what went wrong?
- Would you look at your own culpability in losing the deal?
- Would you have tried to figure out a better way to help your prospects see the value of changing from the status quo?

### Being Good at Sales is a Choice

The reality of it is that we, as individuals, are key components of our success. That’s why it really bothers me when I hear people making excuses or saying that they’re just not a “born salesman.”

I’m not either. I never even wanted to be in sales. I didn’t have any natural talent. Nor did I have a charming personality or the gift of gab.

Yet I **chose to [learn how to sell](https://www.jillkonrath.com/sales-blog/bid/151802/The-Fastest-Way-to-Learn-How-To-Sell)** because I saw it as the vehicle to achieving another goal of mine. I repeat, I chose to learn how to sell. You can too. It’s actually a choice.

### Good Salespeople are Learners

When things don’t work out for you, you just haven’t learned what it takes to be successful – YET.

When nobody responds to your voicemails or emails, you just haven’t learned what it takes to pique their curiosity – YET.

When prospects say, “Thanks for the information. We’ll let you know when we’re moving ahead," you just haven’t learned what it takes to build a business case – YET.

Yes, some people do have a more natural proclivity for sales. But most of the really good ones are learners. They throw themselves into [figuring out what works best](https://www.jillkonrath.com/sales-blog/improve-sales-skills). They’re always getting better.

Don’t sell yourself short. You’re capable of learning everything you need to know to be a colossal success – and quickly.

Be honest with yourself. What do you need to learn right now – today – to take your business to the next level? What else?

Think about it!![can-you-learn-how-to-sell-small](https://www.jillkonrath.com/hs-fs/file-2508159325-jpg/Blog_Images/can-you-learn-how-to-sell-small.jpg?width=4&name=can-you-learn-how-to-sell-small.jpg)

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