Nothing happens until something is sold

Are you a salesperson? Are you involved in sales? Oh, you’re not?  Well, I hate to break it to you, but we are all in sales. Nothing happens until something is sold. Let me repeat that: “nothing happens until something is sold!” Sales has received a bad reputation over the years; perhaps it has been warranted at times. Ask someone how they feel about car salesmen, insurance salesman, or even a kitchen knife salesmen, and you will probably see their nose turn up or a grimace appear on their face. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard,

“Oh my goodness, I hate sales!  There is no way I would ever consider selling!”

Nothing happens until something is sold

If you’re reading this article on a laptop, desktop computer, hand-held device, iPad or even on paper, someone had to engage in a sales situation to deliver the medium that is allowing you to read these words! Someone had to purchase the technology, services, hardware, and storage space from a salesperson in order to publish this article. Sales was a central component in providing this communication opportunity.

I hate to tell you so early in this article, but you are also involved in sales. Each one of us is selling something every day. What are you selling? Think about it; even if you aren’t selling products or services, each day you get up and you sell yourself! You have a monopoly on the market with this product. Wow, what an opportunity to sell! Why did your current employer hire you? You probably did a great job of selling yourself at some point during the interview, right? When you first got your driver’s license, did your parents let you take the car out for the first time because they like you, or did you sell them on the fact you’re trustworthy and would bring it back in the same shape as when you drove off?

Each one of us is unique in our own way—your smile, appearance, voice, energy, belief, values, and ability! Every day you’re selling one or more of these traits to someone. “First impression is a lasting impression.” I love that statement. Before you go to bed at night, think about you—and the product of you. How will you deliver and sell yourself tomorrow as you go through your day? The first impression of your product—YOU—with the monopoly you hold in your daily life, should be sold with a passion. Will you advance your personal position based on someone buying your smile, appearance, voice, energy, belief, values and ability?

Plan your work, and work your plan! Nothing happens until something is sold. Remember when you start your day to sell your value! If it is your smile, personality or action, sell it! You might not realize it, or maybe you do now, but you’re a salesperson! What a great opportunity you have each day to sell and have a positive impact on your surroundings! Heck, maybe you should consider a sales profession as a career!

When it comes to sales, are you a 50s traditionalist or an 80s rockstar? Take our quiz to find out what decade your sales style channels!