On Saturday I was asked to give a short presentation as part of a workshop.  The brief was that it has to be short (maximum 3 minutes) and the subject had to be something that I was passionate about.

I decided to talk about being a salesperson and the perceptions that many people have about sales and the selling process.    So many people seem to automatically associate the word selling with many negative connotations such as high pressure, foot in the door, manipulation, conning someone into buying something they don’t want or can’t afford.

Is it any wonder that many “non sales people” find it difficult to sell, when this si the sort of thinking that goes through their heads at the very mention of the word sales.

Whilst it is true that some people do still sell in this way, the good news is that it is being used less and less.   Today , to be an effective salesperson you need to have a different approach.  In a nutshell you need to;

• Build a lasting  relationship with your prospective customer whether it be face to face, on the phone, by email or via the web
• Ask great questions and listen to their answers so that you truly understand their needs and wants
• You need to present only relevant products or services that meet those needs

I believe that we are all salespeople. Even if we are not exchanging goods or services for money we are selling ideas, information and perhaps most importantly ourselves.

I finished by talk with the challenge, “Next time you are at a party and you are asked what you do, will you have the courage to say “I am a salesperson.”"   – So will you?

P.s. If you want to know more about sales why not take a look at my e-book – The reluctant salespersons transformation guide.