In the digital age we currently live in, we would be hard pressed not to find an answer to a burning question within seconds using google or other methods of online search. With that in mind, and the discussion in class recently about the sleezy salesman era dying out, I find it particularly refreshing thinking about the pivot towards relational, lower pressure salesmanship. This new wave of sorts is beneficial to everyone since relationships are built, and at worst, referrals can be made. Reputation is everything and when there is a certain level of quality and sincerity added to a sale, people are more likely to take that approach positively, and less likely to be in defensive mode because they aren’t thinking they’re getting ripped off, and instead, the salesperson is helping to solve a problem… to ease a pain. With technology these days, it is way harder to rip someone off as well, which is obviously for the better. Now, sales can revolve around helping someone see the benefit of a product or service rather than just to close a deal.
BoweryJE22 3 thoughts on “Caveat Venditor”
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The amount of information available to consumers truly brings “seller beware” to life, People can come into a selling situation sometimes knowing more about the product than the seller. To your point that is why it is so important for sales people to work with people to achieve a settlement that benefits both parties.
There appears to be a significant amount of accountability that has been created in our digitally connected age, with consumers being able to fact-check salesmen and perform due diligence on a wide range of products and services. It’s refreshing to see that regardless of the cause, there is an apparent shift in the art of selling from simply closing a deal, to cultivating a relationship and building rapport with consumers and prospects alike.
I agree with all your points. It is much more valuable as a salesperson to first and foremost build relationships and establish common ground between you and the person you are selling to. With this as your leading goal, you are able to dig into what the customer really needs. Chances are, the customer already has an idea of what they need, and they are able to research about what that exactly looks like. This shifts the role of a salesperson from all informatory to being a relational and strategic partner. Luckily, the advancement of the web and technology has reduced the amount of “sleezy” sales and has leveled the playing field between sellers and buyers.