[ABrandt]

There's countless sales "techniques" out there, but in my experience it just boils down to being a congenial person. I've been selling professionally for two years now and the most significant improvements I've made are all based on my attitude. Being relaxed, confident, and friendly makes my potential customers feel the same way. When they're feeling good, they'll reach for their wallet. Make sure everything you do is natural and honest though--selling is not about pulling a bag over some poor saps head.

Aside from that, there are certainly tricks of the trade you might find helpful. What I've described here is widely called "consultative sales". Steve Blank has some excellent writings on this topic at http://steveblank.com/2009/06/25/convergent-technologies-war...