Maybe Not

One important principle to remember in sales is that your solution may not always be the best option for your customer. This concept kind of goes against the grain of the common sales approach. You might think that if you give away that your product is not the best for everyone, you will never make sales.

I have especially noticed this principle play out in non-sales selling. My honesty is valued by my friends and peers. I will not tell them something I do not mean, and I try to never sell someone on something that is against their needs. I am the type of customer, however, that will make sure everyone knows when I am excited about something or have had a good experience.

This candidness comes into play when I am talking to high school students I know when they are considering applying to or attending Grove City. The reality is that not every school is conducive to everyone. There is a certain level of humility required to sell something. My natural tendency is to assume that I am always right and I fight vigorously for that. However, in sales, you need to take a more humble approach. What worked for you or what you believe to be the best is in fact not the the best for everyone.

I was talking to a high school senior I know from church, and she was asking me about Grove City. In asking some questions of her, it was more clear to me that Grove City might not be the best fit for her. Without being harsh, I just to convey that this school isn’t the right fit for everyone. Honest feedback was helpful for her. I think people also respect and trust your opinion more when you are able to tell them the good and the bad. Personally, I don’t want someone to just tell me what I think they want to hear, I want to hear a complete picture. Sales, in my opinion, is most effective  when you can be honest and share the whole picture with your prospective customer.