Why are we skeptical about selling?
Selling is the most important skill for a businessperson to have.
I had an interesting experience at a local farmer’s market today that emphasized that not everyone, even businesspeople, feel the same way.
I’m walking along with Cindy, and a guy at a booth featuring handmade soaps calls out, saying “Folks, have you seen these soaps made with beeswax?” He then starts telling me about his product. I’m drawn in by his enthusiasm so walk over and chat with him a bit. I listen to his product story, because I dig this sort of thing.
Then something interesting happens.
I say, “You know, you’re the best salesman I’ve met at one of these booths today.”
And he starts getting defensive.
“No, I’m just trying to tell you about my products. I’m just trying to teach you about my products.”
I say, “Yeah, that’s what I mean. That’s great! You’re the first person I’ve run into who is trying to get people to actually buy rather than just letting them wander by.”
He stays on defense.
“No, no, no. I’m just trying to share information about my products.”
I have to be more direct. “You know, I was complimenting you when I said you were being a good salesman.” I go on to explain that I’m impressed he’s enthusiastic about his wares. I’m delighted that it matters to him that people buy them.
Sadly, he still didn’t get it.
We’ve come to the point in society that we so berate, belittle and demean salespeople that this guy was defensive and almost offended that I would call him that. Imagine.
We’ve taken the most necessary occupation in the economy and demonized it.
How else am I going to learn about this guy’s fantastic soaps and what makes them better than other craft soaps if he doesn’t tell me about them and get me to try them?
How else are any products going to move from a manufacturer to the consumer if nobody wants to sell them?
Where is the income for any business going to come from if there isn’t some super-hero out there selling their products and services?
Selling is a magnificent, noble craft.
I deeply admire someone who has mastered the art of selling.
Without selling, whether it’s face to face or through well-crafted copy, nothing happens. Everything any of us have is due to the act of someone selling something.
I heard it said once, and have always believed it, that if you aren’t in sales, then you’re overhead.
So let’s, as business owners, embrace the fact that we get to sell people on our ideas and the benefits of our products and services. Network marketing companies offer hundreds of fantastic products. Consumers receive great benefits from owning and using them.
People that join us in our businesses receive awesome benefits like extra income and the potential to build wealth for themselves.
So let’s go out and find people we can sell to.
Let’s sell sincerely, ethically and enthusiastically.
And let’s take pride in the business that happens as a result of it. And let’s build businesses that support our dreams and move us toward our goals.
If you want to learn the skills that will let you sell successfully on social media and the web, I have a free book that will teach you all the basics of setting up and running a successful affiliate business, working less than an hour per day. CLICK HERE to get a copy.
