Every salesperson dreads this scenario — starting a new job, full of enthusiasm to close deals, with a strong belief in the company’s mission. After weeks of intense training, you feel ready to hit the ground running. You've studied the product details, listened to other reps' demos, and reviewed frequently asked questions. Confident and eager, you finally start making calls to bring in some business.

But then reality sets in. During the first week, you’re laying the groundwork with lots of activity. By week two, you increase your efforts, but there’s no noticeable progress. By the third week, you start doubting if things are as simple as you initially thought. When the fourth week rolls around, and you see colleagues closing deals while you're still waiting for your first sale, doubts begin to creep in. In week five, you start pushing harder, even jokingly considering asking your family members to help by making a purchase.

When week six yields no results, you begin to question your abilities. Despite all your calls and demos, nothing seems to work. By the seventh week, your confidence starts to wane, and by the eighth, you feel like the sales process has defeated you.

This experience is all too common, as observed by sales experts over the years. However, there’s no need to lose hope. Experts suggest that with the right approach, you can turn things around. Below is a six-step plan to help you get back on track when you find yourself in a sales slump:

1. Stay Confident
During difficult times in sales, confidence becomes your most important asset. Sales professionals emphasize the need to believe in your abilities and skills, even when facing setbacks. A lack of sales doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of talent — it often relates to other factors such as mindset, effort, or strategies. By trusting in your capability to adapt and learn, you can power through rough patches and regain your momentum.

2. Reassess Your Goals and Track Your Progress
When facing challenges in sales, it’s crucial to review your goals and measure your performance against the expected benchmarks. Experts advise documenting your efforts and results meticulously to gain a clear understanding of how you’re progressing. By doing this, you can identify small wins and milestones that help boost your morale. This reference point helps you stay motivated, as it allows you to see improvements, even when results are slow to come.

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Sales professionals often talk about the importance of having a growth mindset. This involves staying positive, persistent, and open to learning from your experiences. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve, and setbacks are merely stepping stones toward refining your sales techniques. By maintaining a growth mindset, you’re more likely to learn from your peers' successes and stay resilient, turning failures into learning experiences.

4. Focus on the Details
Paying attention to the small details can make a significant difference when your sales numbers are lagging. Experts suggest that thorough preparation, including meticulously completing call reports and engaging in proper pre-call planning, can lead to better outcomes. Focus on mastering your sales processes and methodologies, ensuring no stone is left unturned. The little things are within your control, and dedicating effort to perfecting them can shift the tide in your favor.

5. Seek Guidance from Your Manager
Experts agree that discipline is essential in reviving your sales efforts, and sometimes, a bit of external accountability can help. Regular check-ins with your manager can help you assess your progress and identify areas where you can improve. It’s crucial not to wait too long before involving your manager in the process, as they can provide valuable insights and advice. These discussions can help you stay focused, correct any mistakes, and keep your sales efforts on track.

6. Learn from Your Peers
It’s likely that you’re not the first person in your company to experience a tough sales period. Many sales professionals have gone through dry spells and come out the other side stronger. Experts recommend connecting with colleagues who have faced similar challenges to gain insights into the adjustments they made to overcome their struggles. Additionally, more senior reps may offer valuable advice on strategies and tactics that can help you break through a tough stretch.

Every salesperson hits a wall at some point in their career. It can be demoralizing, but it's important to stay patient, proactive, and persistent when results are slow. Rather than letting a rough patch discourage you, leverage the available resources and seek guidance from those around you. Keep pushing forward — there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Check out our blog for more useful sales insights.