SALES EXEC. OR SERVANT LEADER?

Consider this career advice. After a series of experiences with salespeople that made me feel manipulated, gaslit and depressed about my life, I wanted to share some sage old wisdom with my son who is in sales and any of you this might help. These thoughts can apply to any job or life, but this mostly addresses people that do sales for a living. I have a question for you. Are you a sales executive motivated only by money or a servant leader with helpful information, products or services to share?

A few recent examples. One male trainer kept messaging me trying to sell his fitness coaching program by saying "we are looking for moms like you who need to lose 15-20 pounds." Or the solar salesman at Lowe's who aggressively pursued me until I gave him my phone number. I gave it to him all the while knowing I would block the call. I just couldn't get away. I left the store feeling so angry and taken advantage of. This is what a lot of sales people hope to prey on; someone's difficulty in saying no. Then, another well meaning person reminded me I need to lose 12-17 pounds and told me I purchase food anyway, so why not their food program? My answer, "it's not just about me. I am feeding a family." Not to mention the insurance agent letting my know how bleak things will look for me and my kids if I do not have the right amount of long term insurance. Tapping into someone's fear is an old tactic, but sadly often works.

So if you are in sales, consider these thoughts to set you up for success while maintaining your integrity and allowing the client to keep their dignity.

PURPOSE:

Develop a purpose for why and what you are doing.

PRAY:

Ask God to use you and to be a blessing to those you encounter.

AUTHENTICITY OVER MANIPULATION:

Share genuinely from your heart.  Believe in what you are offering.

ACTIVE LISTENING:

Truly listen to the person’s needs.

BE OF SERVICE:

Approach sales as a way to help, not convince.

EDUCATE, DO NOT PUSH:

Offer helpful information. You may have something to help your client.

READ THE ROOM:

Know your audience. If your potential client is going through some life crisis or financial hardship, do not offer something that would cause them further output they can not afford.

DETACH FROM THE OUTCOME:

Release the need to control the result. If the client wants it, they know how to find out.

INTEGRITY:

Be transparent about costs.  If it doesn’t work, be willing to let go of the prospect.

FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR HEART:

If you follow up, do so with genuine care, not pressure. Ask if there is anyway you can support them.

LET GO.

If they do not become a client, consider them as a new friend and expand your network.

Is there anything you would add to this list? Listen, as a sales person I know you must get out there an pursue the clients. But, have you thought about a new strategy that makes people your business first? It is ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIP.

#careeradvice #salesexecorservantleader #careercoach