Friday, August 21, 2009

Birth of a Salesman

"You can feed yourself for a lifetime when you know how to sell. "
- Brian Brunn, CEO Best Buy



I had a dream today, that reminded me of the things I need to do.

I was on a yacht with Dr Dre (I dont know why, either), and when a rich yacht neighbor came aboard, he pushed me to sell a product to her. So I did. She declined to buy but then praised me on my selling efforts and techniques as that is how her husband made their money.

This is pertinent because I believe one of my most neglected skills is my sales abilities. I once worked in AT&T telemarketing selling calling plans. I did the bare minimum to keep my job, because I hated sales. Amazingly though, when pushed to make quota, I was one of the best sales people there, winning awards and bonuses - all without really trying, and being abjectedly disinterested. But when I am enthusiastic about something, I find I can transfer that enthusiasm. So much so Ive had folk call me "The Persuader" and comments that I should be a luxury-car salesman.

Years ago, I read many books of Harvey Mackay, master envelope salesman of Minnesota and other books on sales, likely because Ive always wanted my own business. And yet, Ive never put myself out there dirtying my hands in the rough world of being a salesperson, for again - Ive been seriously disinterested.

Still, Ive been fascinated by the process, and yet, Ive come to realize it is the core of what I need to do if I want to eat.

2 comments:

Trixie Fontaine said...

I really love this post. It's too hard for my ickle brain to explain why, but I do. Thanks for sharing.

Joe Pennant said...

Well, being in business yourself - you know what Im talking about.