f you've traveled a smooth, straight line on the road to success, consider yourself one of the rare lucky ones. For the majority of professionals, career traffic jams, detours and forks in the road are constant challenges that thwart the path to profitability.

Who hasn't made a bad decision? Who hasn't had a temporary lapse in judgment? Who hasn't said something they wish they had never uttered? Knowing how to overcome these road hazards will insure a safe and secure trip to sales success. Here are a few tips that will better prepare you for the next selling roadblock:

Scared of sales superhighways? Lying low on a side road is a short-term strategy. Restart your engine, face that traffic and steer straight into it. Recognize road signs. Be aware of what's coming up. Don't drive through a merchant presentation with your eyes closed. Buying signals are everywhere and will point you to your final destination - a sale! Share the driving. Get a co-pilot. It helps to have someone to talk to during those long hauls to a signed contract. Whether it be a mentor, an associate or an e-mail pal, it's safer to hit the road with support. Now's not the time to go solo. Keep up with the flow of traffic. Moving slowly not only prevents you from arriving at that business destination on time, it doesn't create warm feelings with other professionals. Who wants to encounter retail road rage? Plot out your course before getting behind the wheel. There's no time for joyriding in this competitive economy. Fill your gas tank with the proper fuel. Coffee and cigarettes won't keep your sales engine running. Eat healthy and stay energized. Get regular tuneups. Keep all sales tools in good running order. Check equipment, paperwork and your blood pressure regularly. If you get pulled over, choose your words carefully. Speak calmly. Don't let emotion cloud your judgment. Whenever a potential client, a provider or co-worker stops you, explain yourself effectively. Objectivity, not subjectivity, is the rule of the sales road. Stalled in sales? Don't panic. Ignore those honking horns around you. Check your sales gauges and don't be afraid to call for assistance. Remember, there's no shame in setbacks. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to retool and rebound.

Should you encounter an accident on the sales highway, don't slow down and stare. Yes, it's unfortunate, but you need to drive around it and stay focused on your sales trip. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, not on what's happened behind.