As all of the craziness of this week has unfolded, I have been listening to music to help take my mind off of things. So, yesterday I was listening to the Broadway Anastasia soundtrack, and few of the words struck me as both interesting and relating to sales in our current situation. Those words come from the song “A Rumor in St. Petersburg,” and those words are: “Ah, the music box! It’s genuine Romonov, I could never part with it!/Two cans of beans comrade?/Done.”
In the musical, the world around them is changing, and there is a lot of chaos everywhere they turn. That very much feels relatable at this time. Different circumstances, but similar feelings. As I was listening to the track and I heard the words I listed above, my mind immediately shifted to the empty store shelves that have been filling our news feeds in the recent weeks. I began to wonder what sales techniques will look like in the coming days. Will people be more willing to help others and meet their customer’s pain, or will people be more people be willing to take advantage of people in need of scarce resources, like toilet paper? In the words of this song the seller is willing to take beans as payment for a music box that he deemed to be valuable. It is clear that the seller does not actually perceive the music box’s true value and believes two cans of beans to be a good deal. The seller is clearly trying to take advantage of people’s resources. Ironically the music box turns out to be genuine and important to the plot, but the seller did not seem to know that and aimed to take advantage of his customers. Will that happen with the resources that people have in their homes during this pandemic? Is that already happening?
Sales is moving people, and I feel like this could be a great opportunity to help others and build trust in our businesses. We can utilize those good sales techniques and show customers we care about them and build trust. Salespeople can be a great asset in this time of stress and need.
Trinity Blank 
Jake Botkin 
Luke Owen
I love musicals and I have listened to this soundtrack numerous times. I never actually thought, into depth, the tiny and yet close connection to sales. In a “crisis” such as this virus has made everyone take drastic measures such as buying everything and anything off the shelves. The value of items have changed with the importance of necessity. I too also wonder where the virus will put us in the future with sales.
This is a really interesting post! I agree with you that these highly uncertain times could provide an opportunity for many more people (and businesses) to reach out and show their support to the world. I’ve seen countless businesses start online programs, offer free services, or donate money – more than I ever have before. Artists are putting on free concerts online, companies are extending payment dates. I hate that the Coronavirus has brought so much destruction, but I hope when it’s passed the world will still be showing the same care as right now.