If someone claims to be a salesman, why do we immediately think of someone selling vacuum cleaners or books, door to door? Why do we think of a salesperson as slick, sleazy or pushy? Can we not realize that someone also sold the latest computer, the most recent development in vaccines or medicines, or the best insurance or financial planning to protect our families?  Many times, the nice salesperson has assisted me in the purchase of an automobile, auto parts, food items, flowers and on and on.

One of the oldest maxims is “everyone is in sales." Think this way.  All of us try to sell ourselves first and foremost, whether to impress our significant other, our parents, our boss, our instructor or anyone else in whom we come into contact. To do so, each of us has to possess knowledge and compassion to convey our interest in the person we are trying to sell.

Since we are all involved, what then separates the good sales person from the also-competed? At the top of the list, one must love what they are selling.  From this point, it matters not whether the focus is yourself, a product or a new idea.

Perhaps, next on the imaginary list is to listen for clues as to what interests the other person. What do they want? Emphasis is placed on listening and not just hearing. Then register those interests in your memory.

Be sure to consider how the focus of what you want to sell will add value to the other person. Far too many only think of what they like instead of attempting to put themselves into the shoes of the other.

Considering sales as a profession can be very promising. With little training and knowledge, a person can enter the arena of sales and then perhaps give 100 percent to make their efforts a career.  This endeavor can provide travel opportunities to see places that you would never have dreamed possible.  For those competitive in nature, this career has plenty of opportunity to shine and be financially rewarding for participating.

Certainly, providing solutions to another’s problem can have self-satisfying vibes.

Many have entered the profession and found that their own company was happy to provide training while being paid and consider the same as an investment in their employee.

A wise old salesman prompted a saying that I took to heart:  “I never try to sell anything, but try to place my product and self in such a way that my customer wants to buy.”

Since we are all in sales, here’s wishing you success.

Standard contributor Don Alexander can be contacted at dalexander@southernstandard.com