When you think of a sales person you might imagine an aggressive fast talker forcing you to purchase some unnecessary product or service. Maybe you think of a telemarketer who seems to disturb you at the most inopportune moment. Many assume that all sales people have negative intentions, but in reality sales professionals are champions that prompt economic growth by serving the needs of businesses and consumers. Here are a few reasons why the title itself needs a public relations overhaul.
Sales People Grow Businesses
Samantha Gluck of the Houston Chronicle says, "Generating income and revenue are the primary roles of the sales force." It is that very income that may pay the salary of others within the organization and help the company to thrive. Sales professionals are often the entry point for customer engagement and have the responsibility of nurturing the business. Whether making 100 calls per day or simply responding to requests for information, the sales department's number one priority is business development. So why the negative perception?
Perhaps it is an image that you have seen on a movie like the Boiler Room or the Wolf of Wall Street. Maybe you have been persuaded to make a purchase in the past that you later regretted, but fortunately every presentation is not a scheme. As a consumer you have the right to make an informed decision. As a business owner or executive you have the ability to empower ethical sales professionals who solve problems and change the perception of the role itself.
Sales People Present Solutions
Sales professionals are not carbon copies. The sea of products and personality types is as vast as the Indian Ocean. Some people sell small tangible items to consumers and others sell billion dollar solutions to corporations. What's the difference? One sale can change everything. That new cell phone might help you to manage your time more efficiently or engage with the global community through social media. A technology solution may improve the efficiency of thousands within your organization. Consumers and businesses may actually have something to gain by taking that often dreaded sales call if the solution itself can be quantized.
Selling is a science. Experienced professionals are like doctors who diagnose personal and professional disease. The right solution can change a life, a situation or an organization. For example, a new car may appear to be an expense until it allows you to safely commute to a job or conduct business meetings that create additional income. That extra income may in turn cover the cost of the car. A smart purchase can serve as an investment.
We are all Sales People
In a marketplace.org interview of the author Daniel Pink who wrote the book "To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others," he says many of us spend a lot of time "persuading, influencing, and trying to get people to part with resources like time and effort." This self-promotion is not necessarily a bad thing.
When you introduce yourself to someone you are selling your personality. When you apply for an employment opportunity you are selling your skills as they relate to the position. When you date you are selling your ability to be a great companion. Politicians sell ideas and musicians sell songs. The way you dress, speak and conduct yourself on a daily basis is the way you present your product - You. Your own exhibition is a demonstration of your own personal value. Happy selling!
Photo courtesy of Nguyen Hun Vu.