Saturday, August 21, 2010

Pride in the Profession of Selling

Image of an Average Salesperson

Sometimes, negative perceptions develop towards certain professions given the behavior of some individuals. Many people consider a salesperson as a fast talking man who will sell his soul to make a quick buck. They are only interested in commissions at any cost. They want to make a sale by hook or by crook. Many times, you hear people saying that to succeed you need to learn the 'tricks of the trade'. Cheats and crooks earn the tricks; a good professional only learns the trade.

Selling with integrity is noble profession. To most people selling is an occupation ut to the career-minded, it is a great profession. A good sales professional will always have a job and a great sales professional will make an above average income. It is strongly felt that selling is the highest-paying profession in the world.

When one decides to go into the profession of selling some of his friend may say that "Why don't you get a proper job?" 

It is the competence and proficiency of the professional that determines his potential. It is the character of the practitioner that brings goodwill or ill-will to both him and the profession.
Why do you go to a doctor 10 miles away, bypassing many other doctors on the way? Is he the most qualified? Probably not. Why do you go to a mechanic 10 miles away to get your car repaired, bypassing many other mechanic on the way? Is he the most qualified? Probably not! Something tells you that you are dealing with the right person. What is that 'something'? That 'something' is called the T factor.

What is the T factor?
T factor is the intuition or gut feeling. It is always the intangible spark, which connects us together.
Supposing you were offered a product, identical in price and other terms and conditions, by two parties who would you buy from? The asnwer is obvious; if all other things are equal, it is the comfort level with the sales person which will determine who you buy from. What is comfort level? It is the unsaid emotional feeling of ease.

People buy more from the heart rather than the head. A good sales professional not only makes presentation but he sells himself, his product and his company and in the order. 

Even if there is a good product from a good company hut the prospect is not comfortable with the sales person, he will not buy. Selling is as much an inner game as an outer game. Our inner commitment, belief, pride in performance, integrity and persistence, are all reflected in our performance outside.

The selling profession offers many challenges but also many rewards for those who succeed. For a good salesperson, it can mean a lifetime of prosperity and security for himself and his family. The opportunities and rewards for a professional salesperson are unlimited. As a sales professional what are our rewards in life?

There are two kinds of sales professional like followings-
  1. Internal
  2. External
 Internal Rewards are intrinsic :

These rewards are intangible or invisible and can only be felt. Intrinsic rewards only come when, the salesperson's actions are driven by positive values and attitude. They include followings-

          1.  Gratification
          2.  Satisfaction
          3.  Fulfillment
          4.  Meaningfulness
          5.  Peace of mind
          6.  Happiness
          7.  Security
          8.  Confidence

External Rewards are Extrinsic :

These are tangible and visible. Extrinsic rewards are driven by ambition; goals, and hard work. The financial rewards are important. Howeverif they are not value-driven, then one may make money but have no fulfillment and other intrinsic rewards. External rewards include followings-

          1.  Monetary Rewards
          2.  Recognition
          3.  Respect
          4.  Perstige
          5.  Good life
          6.  Comfort

A good sales professional can have a great income and a fulfilling career, regardless of his products or company.

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