Donald Trump and Non-Sales Selling.

I was very taken by Daniel Pinks writing on the topic of Non-Sales Selling – the idea that we are all in the sales business just by being human. As humans, we are constantly moving people to act, think, or do certain things. This is not evil nor is it manipulative. It is simply an aspect of being human. This concept allowed me to make sense of a debate that a friend and I had the other week, where he was critiquing Donald Trumps introduction to his book “The Art of the Deal” in which he states that he has no need to sell. He has more money than he can possibly spend, and more salesman than he even needs. He sells, simply because he loves it. To him, it is not just a means for making money but a true art form – one that he has mastered and has learned to apply for monetary gain. His passion is not monetarily driven but is entirely driven by a love for the art of the deal. My friends critique was that sales is not an art form but simply a means of monetary increase. However, by understanding sales through the lens of non-sales selling, I can see that selling is no different than any literary or social art form, and it is through this lens that I view Donald Trump. He is the most successful non-sales salesman in recent years and here is why: Trust.

Perhaps the most impactful thing I have ever heard as regards the sales process, is the importance of trust, which can be defined as ability + Intent. While controversial, few people can deny that he is an excellent salesman, and this ultimately comes from a trust that people have for him. While this claim might seem contrary to all common sense, simply given his current political role, no one can deny the trust that his party has for him. Although he is a polarizing figure, it is this that ultimately makes him trust worthy. Trump has never hidden who he is or what he wants. This openness lends himself to a natural trust building presence and figure. Using his openness and honesty, plus his ability to follow through on his actions has allowed him to master the art of the deal, and become the best salesman in recent history.