Such a simple concept. But something so easily forgotten. Thank you for your words of wisdom!

I don’t really actively “sell,” which to me means trying to convince someone to make a purchase. I just constantly and authentically put my perspective and expertise out there – in the form of my book, my blog, my articles, etc. If it resonates with people, they tend to come into my personal consulting practice.

Relationship building is my main focus. I’ve had some people on my email list for years before they become customers. Over the years, I feel like I’ve built some amazing relationships through my business that enrich me personally as well as professionally.

I think it’s always helpful for us to figure out how we like to be sold to, before we try to sell (or offer) our services to others. What ropes us in, gets our attention? If we sell the way we like to buy, we’re more likely to be successful. I buy on recommendation, mostly. Or I buy after I’ve been on someone’s mailing list for a while and know what they are all about. So those are the strategies that work best for me, also.

Blessings,
Andrea

I totally agree with you on restructuring your style based on your personality. You know that high flying financial planner friend of mine. Her sincerity and caring nature is what made her a success. Not hard sell. Or plain eloquence.

@AlexI attest to what you’re saying. Relationship building is indeed an important part of the sales process. But it’s also a double edged sword. A lot of people refrained from going into sales thinking that they didn’t have solid contacts and relationship. But it’s not necessary to START off things at all. You can begin with zero contacts and slowly build relationships. One at a time.

@Carole Thank you for your words of wisdom!

@Jennifer Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s amazing to know how much you’ve gained from your job as a waitress. I’ve pretty much my previous jobs to thank for honing my presentation skills as well. It seems “part of the job” at first but only when I left it did I realize I too, gained so much from “the training”. And kudos to you for being the youngest and yet the supervisor, good stuff! You must’ve been an amazing worker!

@Lorraine, Absolutely! The other day I was reading a very inspirational piece by another fellow blogger of how much his book sales increased without doing any pitching or marketing. He relied entirely by word of mouth, focusing on adding value to his readers entirely, catering to their needs by writing articles that addresses their problems. At the end of the day, if you’re good and true, customers can’t wait to share it with the others. Because a big hearted cause, always deserves another big hearted effect.

Amazing.

It’s rich with so much wisdom. What jumps out at me is how my own business has grown that echoes so much of what you wrote. The first thing people buy is YOU before they buy your product or service. It’s all about relationships and the connections we make with folks. We make those connections by being real and listening to what people need rather than trying to sell them.

Happy customers and clients will want to share you with others. That’s the best way to grow your business – through referrals of raving fans.

Having quality products and services, reputation, integrity, values and standards, are also important elements!

Thanks!

Lorraine
http://www.powerfull-living.biz

I too came to an early decision that sales was not something I could do, because I tend to be too honest and would sabotage my own sales effort. However after some initial failures, I realized that I just really needed to tailor my style to suit my personality.

This was a great article because it also points out that sales techniques can be pretty general as well, whether one is selling hospitalization insurance, working in the IT industry, or simply attracting readers to a blog. We all need this skill at some level. Thanks for the great read.