A salesman is someone whose job is to persuade people to buy products or services. When you walk into a car dealership, the person who shows you different vehicles and explains why each one might be perfect for your family is a salesman. When a company creates a new type of running shoe, salesmen visit sporting goods stores to convince the owners to stock those shoes on their shelves.

Good salesmen understand what people need and help them find the right solution. They know their products thoroughly and can answer questions clearly. They listen carefully to what customers want rather than just pushing whatever makes them the most money. A salesman might work in a store, visit businesses, or even call people on the phone.

The word sometimes carries a negative feeling because some salesmen use pushy tactics or dishonest claims to make a sale. You've probably heard someone say “He's such a salesman” in a skeptical tone, suggesting the person is too smooth or not entirely trustworthy. But many salesmen take pride in helping customers make good decisions and building long-term relationships.

The term traditionally referred to men, though today people often use salesperson or sales representative to include everyone in the profession. A successful salesman combines knowledge, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in solving problems for customers.