This blog was written on March 26th, 2008

To begin my blogging career, I’d like to overcome an objective that often arises when I tell people I work in “sales”. I’ve noticed a slight disconnect if I use this word to describe my occupation. People have a tendency to tune me out, walk away, hang up, and even look down on me. It all goes back to the “car salesman” stigma. The Urban Dictionary defines a car salesman:
One of the shiftiest occupations a someone can take. Car salesman earn commission from whatever they sell and will lure, lie, mislead, con, deceive people into buying a car. This is especially true when it comes to used cars.

What people need to understand is that ultimately EVERYONE works in sales. Whether your title implies “sales” or not, if you own a business, are trying to make a living, are an ambitious entrepreneur, you are in sales. Your ultimate goal is to get consumers to buy your product, use your service, attend your event, get your employer to notice you, give you a raise etc. In order to do this, you must “sell”. Although I am a Marketer, I can only provide my service if I sell you the resources you’ll need to execute your marketing campaign.

I am selling a service that you want to buy so you can SELL your own service more effectively and grow your business. By buying my service which helps you grow your business, I am also growing my own (note the mutual goal).

Instead of viewing salespeople as the enemy, consider the fact that you too are in sales. In many cases, the seller has a resource or product that will be extremely valuable to help YOUR SALES.