Whether we believe it or not, we’re all in sales.
We’ve always been in sales. From the time we’re little children, we’re selling our ideas to our parents, hoping they’ll let us do and get what we want. As we get older, we bring our best selves forward, selling ourselves to our teachers, friends, prospective partners and employers, etc. When we speak at professional presentations, we’re selling our theories, attempting to influence research, get funding, forge partnerships.
Underlying all sales is the science and art of persuasion and influence. If our values are aligned with what we’re selling, then we can do good and do well.
Yet so many people think selling is beneath them, that it is fake, even sleazy, or unprofessional. We avoid doing it or hope that it will happen by itself. But really, we’re hiding from the reality that “no one’s coming.” If we want it to happen (whatever it is), we must initiate forward movement which, usually involves sales.
What if we truly believed we could sell AND be our authentic selves? That we didn’t have to fake it. We could really show up, influence people for good, do well, and be who we feel we really are, deep inside. Wouldn’t that make it easier to put ourselves out there and stop procrastinating? And what if we realized that we could cope with our worst fears? If we initiated, were brushed aside, or got no response, what then? If we initiated and were criticized or challenged and humiliated, could we suffer that and go on, anyway? How many of us hold back initiating a new idea for fear that we’ll be ignored or scoffed in some way?
To address the challenges that come with the territory, I’m joining forces with a colleague, Russ Salzer, to launch an 8-week Prospecting Intensive this Fall.
Russ’ business is selling and teaching people to sell. He brings years of experience teaching the behavioral side of prospecting since he knows that the more people you get in your pipeline, the more likely you are to close a sale. However, believing that more could be done to make prospecting even more efficient and effective, we decided to collaborate to create a program that supports people in dealing with their impediments and diminishing their fears. As many of you know, I bring my knowledge and expertise in psychology, authenticity, leadership, neuroscience, and communication to combine with Russ’ strong base in sales and leadership.
Here’s a link to the Prospecting Intensive program description and tear sheet. Please contact Russ or me for more information. Please forward this blog to anyone who's primary objective is driving revenue for their organization or for themselves as a solopreneur. Even if you don't believe that you will get value from learning about prospecting, I hope that you'll stay with me for the next several weeks as I blog about how self-concept and sales are intimately related. Your feedback is always appreciated. Thanks in advance! I hope to see you online soon.