Many salespeople have a tenancy to be selfish. On to the next sale, the next big score, the next milestone, the next nicer car/house/boat.
I have a different opinion. Please don’t think I’m soft, because I have a high level of commitment to my clients, and a huge drive to win. I love the rush of closing another deal just as much as you do (maybe more) but the way I get most of my clients may be much different than the way you get yours.
I serve others, and enjoy it. It leads to sales, which allows me to serve more, which leads to more sales. Simple huh? AND IT WORKS.
As an example, I was helping out a friend on one of his projects Sumner Shortcuts. It’s his take on our local community, presented in a slightly (ok, maybe a little more than slightly) sarcastic way, and also provides helpful tips on ways to save money, or get better service in northern/middle Tennessee.
Jeremy had a booth at the “Festival By the Lake” this weekend, and needed some help. I went there, took my kids and hung out at his booth, recruiting people for his video game tournament, and mingling with Festival goers. I met two guys that know my boss and had good conversations with them, saw 3 of my clients in a relaxed setting and while talking to someone about the tournament I got a question about the hat I was wearing. “What’s Keystone Business Solutions?”
“Oh, we sell websites, newsletter marketing services and blogs among other things to help you market your business successfully on the internet.” The gentleman gave me his card and asked me to call him (which I am about to do).
This practice works when I am serving on the board of Sumner County Medical Manager’s Association, or helping with the Boyscouts, or simply being an available technical/business/listening resource for friends and church members.
Getting new business doesn’t always rely on how many cold calls you make. The way you serve others delivers benefits both ways!
Who are you serving?
Jason
Great Post! I agree. This falls in line with a post I had a while back:
http://roihunters.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/fix-problems-dont-sell-services/
If we can focus on solving other peoples needs we look much better then when we come across then trying to sell something, which often comes across as self serving.
Hey Tim. Thanks for commenting. I have worked with the arrogant fellas and felletes, and crushed their sales, by simply having a servants heart.
Keep in touch!
Jason