Baseball is a game of quick actions and responses. So too, is the world of sales and marketing. It takes skill and professionalism. When a pitcher throws a ball, he has careful intentions of how it will be delivered. The "sales pitch" or delivery in marketing should be executed in the same, well-thought-out manner. Many marketers throw the ball as if they are in the game of Dodge-ball. The customer they are pitching to will likely try to avoid what it is they are selling because the delivery is too fast, or too obviously a deliberate maneuver.

The career of sales is a profitable one, if a person knows the proper way to approach people. Try these tips:

1. Value your product. There is no use trying to sell something you don't believe in. Be sincere. People get excited talking about things they value. If people can read truthfulness and conviction in your voice, they will be more likely to trust in what you are selling.

2. Engage your customer. Starting a conversation with a person is as easy as asking a few simple questions. People are more likely to buy from someone they know, so get to know each person you meet! Look for common experiences or interests.

3. Be positive. Attitude counts! Nothing is more engaging than a smile. It helps put people at ease. Customers can sense warmth, humor and other emotions even over the phone. If you have had a hard day you are probably better off devoting those hours to book work and skipping the sales calls until you are in a better mood!

4. Identify the need. Find out what the customer wants, before you try to sell them something they might not need! Why do they like this product? Is there a goal or purpose in looking at the service? To avoid customer dissatisfaction and build repeat sales, try to sell them what they want, not the best model in the showroom. Work from the premise - if people get what they need, they are more likely to be a happy customer.

5. Deliver the goods. If you sell it make sure you can deliver! Avoid making promises, or giving false hope about delays or things gone wrong. People would rather have the honest straight goods, than face the frustration if the service is not what they expected.

In the game of baseball not every hit needs to make a home run. In marketing, you don't always have to make that big sale. Just worry about making it to first base. The customer will come back to again for another swing if they like the way you throw the ball!