I get rather tired of people who talk about salesman (and women) in a derogatory manner. We’re always hearing about ‘pushy salesmen’ and ‘fast-talking salesmen’, and it’s all too easy to think of them in a negative way when you’ve received more than your fair share of the ‘cold calls’ that we all get.
But selling – when done properly and politely – is a skilled career and without people selling a product or a vision, where would we be? Because although at the level I’m talking about, selling is largely about products – it’s also about ideas.
Looking at products and services first, the wheels of industry wouldn’t turn if people weren’t persuaded to buy what factories produce. We’d all be a lot poorer, and many of us would be without jobs!
Moving on, think about inventors, entrepreneurs and people who have had a great vision for the future. Most of them have had to ‘sell’ their ideas initially to a sceptical public to get them off the ground and make people believe the benefits they will offer. In the world of selling we often hear products referred to as ‘staple’ or ‘speciality’. Staple products are the ones that everyone needs; speciality products are the ones where a market has to be created. It’s interesting that some products – like the mobile phone – start out as a speciality and gradually become a staple. Can you imagine being without your mobile? But it’s the hard work of the sales industry that has brought this about – and given you so much convenience at your fingertips.
So next time you hear someone being snide about cold calls and pushy salespeople, don’t be too quick to judge. The cold callers are often young people wanting to get their feet on the career ladder, or people who have not been properly trained. And you really do need proper training if you are to succeed in this business.
If you’re looking for a career change and want an interesting job where you meet lots of people, have a degree of freedom and each day is a challenge – then selling might be the right career for you. Why not have a look at our Professional Sales Techniques course? It could open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.
Author: Diana Nadin
