Selling when you don't think you are selling...

Whether it is correct practice or not people inevitably ask you what you do for a living and who you work for.

As of that moment, whether you are in a social or work environment, you and your company are being judged by your actions. As of that moment you are selling yourself and your company (and by inference, your company's products and reputation).

Now you may argue that this is not fair, not right, and it doesn't happen. Well i hate to shock you but it doesn't matter whether it is fair or right, and it does happen!

But no-one at the gathering has anything or will ever have anything to do with my company. Mmmmmm....maybe.

But after 54 years on planet earth I never fail to be shocked and surprised when I learn that "a" knows "b", who knows "c", who happens to be someone you end up presenting your product to 6 months down the track - what a bummer if you acted like an idiot in front of "a". 

So whether you know it, like it, or simply refuse to accept it, you are always selling. Even if "it never happens", what have you lost? You've simply acted "on your best behavior" (there, no use of the "sales" word).

Being forewarned is being forearmed...or, better to be safe than sorry.

a change in attitude is better than taking pills

I wrote in an earlier blog about my epiphany - the "light bulb" moment that changed my life.

Reflecting on that event I have come to a number of conclusions:

• being positive made me feel better about myself
• feeling better about myself got me to start exercising and feeling healthier
• i started performing better at work
• i took up hobbies that I had been putting off, ignoring, not doing anything about: photography, blogging, writing, starting my own businesses
• this made me feel even better about myself
• which made me see the world in a different, less dark, light
• which in turn made me happy

This is only one man's experience but I think that the lesson is don't put off to tomorrow all those dreams and plans that you have left in the "ideas to be acted on one day" cupboard.

There is no downside, only upside.

It beats wasting time in front of the TV.

And it feels great to feel great.

Creativity

All my life I was jealous of creative people. Creative people were those who wrote or played beautiful music, painted, sculpted, penned books or poetry, made movies.

It never occurred to me that photography was just as creative, just as much an art. Anyone could take a photo, right? Just point and click and bingo, a picture. So how in heaven's name could that be creative?

Well, the answer to that question is obvious if you take the time to look at the photographs being published by photographers, both professional and amateur. Visit Fotopedia and see how people see the world thrrough the lens of a camera. The images are breathtaking, awesome, beautiful, inspiring.

Photography most definitely is an art. Perhaps we all have an element of creativity in us, we simply have to look for it.

Attitude & Persistence

What makes a good salesperson?

Not an easy one to answer. In fact I could probably come up with a whole list of items (it's late so today I'll spare you the ramblings :-))

In my humble opinion there are two characteristics that differentiate the ordinary from the extraordinary salesperson.

The extraordinary salesperson has the "right" attitude.

He or she remains positive regardless of what is thrown at them. They have their ups and downs but they soon get over these hurdles and get on with things.

They are relentless. They do not stop, give up, feel sorry for themselves, or put off to tomorrow what can be done today. Does this make them superhuman? Not at all! It makes them professional salespeople - they desire, more than want, to succeed. This persistence will help them eventually handle any objections or challenges thrown at them.

Now do not get me wrong. I am not describing some superhuman ogre who is tactless and pushy. Having the right attitude and being persistent are just two characteristics of being professional.

Salespeople face challenges and problems each and every day. It goes with the territory. They can also come up with a million reasons a day why it is easier to simply throw in the towel and give up.

But the extraordinary ones keep that smile, are passionately convinced of their capability to succeed, and keep on keeping on.