What skills are important to become a successful Sales Engineer?

I’m doing research for an article and a Toastmasters speech about becoming a Sales Engineer (SE). I could really use your input. Only one copy per person. Please share with other SEs also!

1. How important is it to be technical? *

2. How important is it to have skills and experience in the field that the product you are selling? *

3. How important is it to be a curious person? *

4. How important is it to have strong empathy? *

5. How important is it to have humility? *

6. How important is it to be persuasive? *

7. How important is it to be a good storyteller? *

8. How important is it to be a good at selling? *

9. Any other thoughts you'd like to add about these virtues and/or skills?

10. How important is it to know how to program? *

11. How many programming languages should one know to be an SE? *

12. What types of programming languages should an SE know? *

13. How important is it to know programming concepts like Abstraction, Modularization, Information Hiding, Singletons and Opinionated Frameworks? *

14. Any other thoughts you'd like to add about programming?

15. How important is a 4 year degree to have? *

16. Do you have a 4 year degree? *

17. How important is having a Master Degree or higher? *

18. Do you have a Masters Degree or higher? *

19. How much experience do you have as an SE? *

20. Have you ever managed or led Sales Engineers? *

21. Any comments you'd like to add about your experience and/or education?

22. Are there any other skills or capabilities that you feel are important to being a Sales Engineer?

23. If I quote you, do you want me to give you credit? *

24. Email (optional)

25. LinkedIn Profile (optional)

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