The 10 Most Popular Sales Posts of 2014

Who doesn't love a good countdown? Almost everybody does. And if you don't, you might want to hide out for a bit. It's certainly the season for them.

Before you count down the ball dropping to mark the beginning of 2015, take some time to reflect on the highlights of 2014: a particularly large or significant deal you closed, the month you blew quota out of the water, your president's club trip. It's only by looking back and celebrating your accomplishments that you'll be mentally prepared to move forward and crush another year.

As for the highlight of our year? Producing content that was helpful and relevant to you. Here are the top 10 most-viewed HubSpot Sales blog posts of 2014 (arranged in countdown style, naturally).

10. How to Close a Sale in 5 Steps

Closing doesn't have to be so stressful. An infographic from Refresh shows the five tactics that will close a deal every time.

9. The Best Way to Ask For Referrals [+ Free Email Template]

Referrals are one of the most effective (yet underused) customer conversion channels. Get a foolproof email template to request a referral from your best customers. 

8. Template: How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Social Selling

Not sure what your LinkedIn profile should look like? This infographic provides section-by-section tips on how to create a profile that attracts prospects, not recruiters. 

7. Sales Heartbreakers: How to Use Breakup Emails to Attract Your Prospects

It's practically a scientific fact: People want what they can't have. So when you tell your prospects that maybe your relationship isn't working out, suddenly they can't wait to get on the phone. 

6. The Startup Struggle: Who Should Your First Sales Hire Be?

The SVP of Sales? The Sales Manager? The Entrepreneur? Chose carefully -- your first hire sets the tone for the entire sales organization.

5. The Ultimate List of Words That Sell

Sales is a word game, so it pays (literally) to become a word nerd. Make your conversational choices do your job for you by incorporating these 13 words into your calls and presentations.

4. Want to Motivate Your Sales Team? Try Something Other Than Money

Salespeople respond differently to different incentives. Money doesn't talk to everyone -- find out what does.

3. 6 Sales Blogs You Should Be Reading

The more you read, the more you learn. And the more you learn, the more you sell. Bookmark these six blogs to get your knowledge on.

2. Sales Follow-Up Emails the Pros Use

Persistence is key in sales, but no one will respond to a bad message. Get templates from sales experts for a variety of follow-up scenarios to dramatically improve response rates. 

1. A Free Business Plan Template For Sales Reps

Put together a sleek and savvy business plan in advance of your 2015 kickoff meeting to show your sales manager that you mean business.

What was your favorite sales blog post of 2014? Please share in the comments.