Sales Is Not a Dirty Word

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Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port (I just read it at the recommendation of a colleague). Even if you hate sales and marketing, this will make you see how easy it can be.

Glenn Gutmacher of MA 9:51AM September 19, 2008

in my opinion, people may think they're doctors; they're not. they're salesmen selling you on the idea of coming to them for all your health needs. ministers are not ministers; they're selling you on an idea to improve your life, here and hereafter. teachers are not teachers; they are in sales to sell you on the idea of needed education. all of life is sales. want a job? you need to sell yourself. want a raise? you need to sell yourself.

GMR of VA 8:17AM June 02, 2008

"As for me, I have sold farm chemicals and motorcycles to office equipment and business services."
Well said. That's the problem with all those "sales" books at the bookstore. Most of them have not been written by accomplished sales people, or even sales people in general. Just someone who can write well and knows that there are a lot of bottom 50-90% sales people out there who think the answer is in a book, versus in a hard days work followed by another hard days work followed by another....well, you get the picture.

Adam of MN 5:09PM May 21, 2008

I think I know where you are going with this and trust me, the manipulative sales training one gets sometimes (Would you like me to stop by at 9 am or 10 am?), will most definitely NOT work at home.
But it sure is true that to get what you want, first you give them what they want. The 'trick' is to do this naturally, assuming goodwill, and without even hoping for the return favor, gift. In other words, if you give first but you are reallyreally doing so to get what you want back, it often defeats the whole purpose. Spouses, er, women spouses see this one a mile off.

GLH of MN 7:10AM May 15, 2008

I am not sure one can condense sales training into a one or two sentence 'secret' without generalizing. But here goes: Think of selling as not really selling something someone does not need, but helping them buy. One does this by asking good questions because you are curious about their situation, needs and problems. As for me, I have sold farm chemicals and motorcycles to office equipment and business services.

GLH of MN 7:03AM May 15, 2008

My brother says that sales is the basis of all human relationships. Even in marriage, even in friendship---to get along, to get what you want, to please others, you must be "selling" to them.
Maybe he's taken this too far, but it is a thought.......

Working Girl of WA 12:44AM May 14, 2008

Get your product out there? Is there a certain sales tactic or line that you use to "sell" what you have? To push the product? How can you be sure you are reaching out to the right people? When you have a particular product that someone wants, do you do whatever it takes to get them to take the hook....so to speak? Anyone can sell anything, provided they have the write packaging! Don't you agree? What exactly is it that you sell Mr Hoffman?

Imelda of TX 5:22PM May 13, 2008