Member Article

Research proves 'sex sells'

One in three sales people admit to “using sex” as a key tool when clinching a deal, according to a study by recruitment firm Pareto Law. Provocative behaviour and flirtatious banter are highlighted as important when building rapport and winning those all important sales. 35% of men admitted they consider using this technique closely followed by 28% of women.

Honesty, personality and integrity poled in the top three most important qualities when it comes to making a successful sales person, with the suggestion that perhaps the flirtatious frolics will be integrated into lively sales personalities rather than being an overt attempt to secure a sale. Men and women were also cited as having different strengths in sales. Women were regarded as having better organisation skills and ability to handle workload whilst men show stronger personalities and selling skills. 53% of men and 66% of women agreed that women made the better sales people.

Johnathon Fitchew, Joint managing director of Pareto Law, said: “The results are very concerning and show just how much pressure sales people feel they are under to win new business.” Good looks came at the bottom of the list with just 3% believing long legs and fluttering eyelashes were an important quality in the sales arena.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .