Selling…Then and Now

Back in the age of dinosaurs, when I was a mere child, I frequently pestered my neighborhood with little pop-ups. From lemonade stands, bracelets, gardening services, I started down the path of a sales person. I would meander around the neighborhood, going door to door, asking the poor grandparents of my neighborhood if they would like to support a growing artist. Now I look back, both in fondness and in embarrassment. I am now working in admissions and in the E&I department doing sales work for them. Most of the time that involves me meeting  with potential students and worrying parents, trying to get to know them, build trust, and convey how incredible our college is— in a very confined period of time. It has been extraordinarily fun learning how to connect with people while trying to convey to them how important and influential GCC is. It can feel like a  puzzle, trying to see if the solution I have can properly fulfill their needs. I enjoy trying to find where things line up and how to customize meetings, tours, and conversations with families and individuals. I have built genuine connections with some of the people I have been in selling conversations with. I never realized that sales was an opportunity to build relationships until I started working in admissions last year. It has been a blessing to get to meet so many fantastic and interesting people, and to grow in my communication skills as I work with them. I have lead a couple dozen tours so far and I have engaged with numerous families at events, building relationships and helping them find potential solutions to their needs, wants, and pain. I am excited to continue growing in this skill, and to use it to pursue God’s glory in all things.