The biggest stumbling block I've had to hurdle over as a business owner has been the vision I carry in my head of a salesperson. My vision is the used-car salesman in a cheap suit, with lots of gold chains with a huge gold medallion, slicked back greasy hair, he's short and pudgy, has a thick accent making it sound like he's from the Bronx, and he's trying to sell me a bright green Lincoln that I don't want or need!
We've all had the horrible sales experience, I could probably write a novel on my experiences alone! Rather than doing that, let's think about sales in a different way. When it comes down to it, every single one of us is a salesperson. I know what some of you are thinking, so just bare with me here and read on...
Parents
Whatever your job is outside the home, inside the home - you are a salesperson! It's no easy task to get your kids to do their chores on a regular basis is it? You probably have to use some authority and power along with your negotiation skills. If you have a picky eater, you have to sell those meals in order to get the child to eat or try something new.
Teachers
Years ago a friend, who is a teacher, told me two things she would never, ever do: sales and public speaking. I challenged her that she does both of those every day she is in her classroom! Granted kids don't buy their grades; however, I would argue that a teacher sells the benefits of getting good grades and passing classes. Teachers earn the trust of their students, teachers want the best for their students, and they provide an opportunity for their students to develop skills they will use the rest of their lives - if that's not the beginning of a sales process, I don't know what is!
Job-Seekers
It doesn't matter what kind of job you're seeking you are selling one thing and one thing only, YOU! First impressions always matter and when you're seeking a job, it matters more than you know. Your appearance and attitude are a piece of your selling package. Dress appropriate and be confident. You must confidently sell your skills, your abilities, your knowledge, and you must convince the potential employer you are the best candidate by showing how you will help their organization achieve their goals.
Employees
Whether you're the lowest person on the proverbial totem pole or you're the boss, you're a salesperson! Whenever you seek a promotion, you need to sell your skills, abilities, and your potential. Sometimes you have to "sell" in order to get people on your team, to see things your way, to help accomplish a specific goal.
Coaches Challenge
People are always observing other people. If somebody had observed you all of last week, what might he/she have thought you were selling? Be aware that every single one of your actions, attitudes and behaviors represent who you are and what you "sell."
###
