When I was in school, I thought I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew that I wanted to design and build things. I wanted to be an engineer. I didn’t want to teach. I didn’t want to work in the medical field. And, I definitely didn’t want to sell things for a living. When I thought of the sales business, I pictured a slick salesman in a suit offering something I didn’t really need for a price that sounded too good to be true.
Fast forward 13 years since Georgia Tech, and what do I do? I am in the business of sales!
In his latest book, To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others
As I lead my company in processesing regionally grown fruit products for people around the world desiring a healthy, natural life, I must sell our vision and goals to my teammates.
When I go home, I need to sell vegetables at dinner and a regular bed time to our boys.
Chances are, you are probably in the sales business, too. If you ever need to convince co-workers of an idea, you are in the sales business. If you are teaching students how to diagram a sentence, you are in the sales business. Or, if you farm, you are in the sales business.
Because of the variety of situations where I need someone to give up something they value for something I have, To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others
– Be in Attunement
– Be Bouyant
– Be Clear
And, I also know what to do when selling:
– Pitch
– Improvise
– Serve
So, as it turns out, I don’t mind the sales business after all. I actually enjoy it…especially since I don’t have to wear a suit to work every day!
I have a question.
Does your work involve convincing or persuading people to give up something they value for something you have? If so, you might want to pick up a copy of To Sell Is Human and get into the new sales business.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.