This isn’t easy, but it can’t be avoided.
I talk to smart, talented, capable people who find themselves stuck every day, and almost every one of them has this one thing in common.
They want to grow a business or accomplish the next big step in their career. They are go-getters and have a lot going for them. But this one thing keeps holding them back – perhaps you can relate –
They hate selling. Most people do.
Sure, we all know someone born with the ability to sell sand in the desert, but they’re the exceptional few.
The majority of us find sales to be icky.
Because when someone tries to sell us a product or a service using a high-pressure, manipulative, slimy approach, we walk away from that experience covered in ick. And we don’t want to be someone who spews ick.
But you’re not an icky person.
You’re someone who stands behind your product, someone with solutions to offer, someone who solves problems and gets results.
Whether you’re interviewing for a job, making a pitch, or looking to close a deal, what you’re putting on the table is the answer to another person’s needs or desires. A transformation or positive outcome will occur if they take you up on your invitation.
I get it. To say selling yourself isn’t easy is an understatement, but if you have any ambitions, you have to get over the ick.
Remember, sales scenarios can be disconcerting — for both you and the other person! Your success is on the line. They’re on the defensive. And you’re each sensing a threat, which can trigger “fight or flight” mode.
The best way to think of selling is that you’re doing someone a service. A key part of that service is helping them feel comfortable — by having conversations, asking good questions, welcoming objections, guiding decisions, and reassuring the other person that you have their best interests at heart. There’s nothing icky about that.
Getting better at selling isn’t something you can avoid, but you can avoid the ick.
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