Eric Holmlund, internet marketer, says that in order to become successful online, you need to be able to ‘think like a salesperson’. He admits that, because he can do this, even if he lost everything tomorrow and had to start again from scratch, he would be making money again the very next day, because when you think like a salesperson, you see opportunities everywhere.
I don’t know what it’s like in other countries, but certainly here in the UK there seems to be a stigma when people think about salespeople. The old clichés of the slimy car salesperson, double glazing reps, estate agents and media hype about fraudsters and dishonest tactics can still make the average business person think twice about wanting to be labelled a salesperson.
And yet it’s an essential business tool. There’s a reason the best salespeople make so much money and are offered flash cars, laptops and bonuses – they’re creating massive profits for the companies they work for.
If you’re struggling with the idea of having to think like a salesperson here are 3 tips:
1) If you’re thinking of going into business for yourself but you’re not prepared to sell, or to learn how to, then hire someone who is, or please go and work for somebody else. Your chances of success will be virtually zero, because you won’t be proactive enough to see and create income generating opportunities.
2) Don’t label yourself a salesperson; instead, simply accept it as a role you take on, along with many others, in order to help people and grow your business.
3) Remember that selling isn’t a bad or horrible thing. We all sell every day, whether we realise it or not. When you tell a friend about a great product you’ve bought, or service someone gave you, you’re selling them. When you meet someone for the first time and want them to like you, you’re selling yourself. Zig Ziglar* said that selling is nothing more than the transfer of enthusiasm from one person to another.
Are you enthusiastic about your products or services?
I’m pleased to report that today, having seen a flier in a local pub, I instantly had an idea about how I could take an information product I created over 10 years ago, bring it up to date and sell it online. Before studying how and what other people in my chosen profession sell, I would never have thought of it.
Some people seem to be born salespeople – if you’re not, don’t despair – you can learn to think like one.