Barack Obama made the sale. Sixty-three million people were sold on his potential ability to lead and govern.

And they did so without the benefit of actually seeing what he will do. He made the sale based on his oratory ability, his promises, and the faith he instilled in others. For that he got 63 million yes’s.

As a salesperson, I’m sure you’d be willing to settle for just a thousand of them.

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Now comes the hard part. President Obama has to deliver. Just like you have to deliver on your promises. But delivery is harder than making the sale. In Obama’s case he has to deliver on the promises he made not just to Americans, but to the world. After all, the title President of the United States carries with it the subtitle of  Leader of the Free World.

But there are these realities:

• Fortunately or unfortunately, we have exported our passion for freedom to other lands, resulting in conflict or battle against what you and I might call “the competition.”

• The economy is not great and Obama’s administration will have the daunting task of resurrecting it.

• The United States’ global image is suffering and our present leader is not well-respected. (I’m not throwing a stone, just stating the facts.)

• Post-election celebrations, both in this country and around the world, have set the stage for President Obama  to deliver. The customers are waiting, and eager for action.

What Obama now must have are some of the same characteristics you need in order to win your share of votes (customers) and to keep them loyal.

Look over these qualities Obama used to win the sale and must continue to use to keep our loyalty. Think about how your stack up.

1. Intelligence. During the campaign Obama showed an uncanny ability to be both quick on his feet and intelligent in the responses he made to questions asked of him. It’s not necessarily “how intelligent you are” but “how intelligent do you sound?”

2. Excellent speaker and presenter. Obama’s supporters and detractors agree his oratory skills are superior. That goes a long way to getting his message through, and giving listeners confidence. How excellent are your presentation skills? Ever videotaped yourself? Got Toastmasters?

3. Spontaneous. Obama is able to think and respond to questions and situations in a convincing manner. How spontaneous are you when faced with a barrier or unexpected obstacle?

4. Solid game plan. Obama compared present situations with his game plan for the future. You may not agree with them, but he was able to convey them clearly. How is your plan coming? Do you even have one? How clear is it?

5. Able to transfer his message in a believable way. Obama’s presentation skills are excellent and his ideas are clear. This makes his message transferable to those who agree with it – and maybe some who don’t. How believable are you?

6. An image of honesty and honor. How is your image? How are you perceived? What are people saying about you when you’re not there?

7. A good family man. Speaks for itself. This is a self-measurement.

8. Trustworthy, relatable and truthful. It’s a feeling. How relatable are you? How truthful are you? How believable are you?

9. Real-world specific. When a politician sounds like a politician, you can smell the rhetorical baloney. It’s the same in sales. Are you being forthright or still “sales-y” and manipulative?

9.5 Able to receive a vote of confidence. Obama has a four-year contract with the world. In politics, it’s measured by an approval rating. In sales, it’s a reorder or a referral. Can you keep your customers loyal for four years?

I hope — just like you hope — the sale Obama made will be fulfilled with a safe and better life for each of us. Political views aside, Obama’s victory is a lesson in sales that everyone can learn from.

If you want the formula for earning loyalty, go to www.gitomer.com, register if you’re a first-time visitor, and enter the word “loyalty” in the GitBit box.

Contact Jeffrey Gitomer at salesman@gitomer.com or (704) 333-1112. Gitomer is president of Buy Gitomer in Charlotte, N.C., and the author of “The Sales Bible” and “The Little Red Book of Selling.” He gives seminars, runs annual sales meetings, and conducts Internet training programs on selling and customer service at www.trainone.com. Sales Moves appears weekly.