Let me spin you a tale of two men in one.
I had always hated sales. That didn’t mean I wasn’t good at it from time to time, and it didn’t even stop me from accepting multiple retail sales positions. Even as a succeeding salesman, I did not particularly enjoy what I was doing.
In my first sales role, I was peddling Rue21’s gasoline-scented fragrances. I must have done something right because, without fail, I always got positioned at the store entrance to make sales. In this role, I detested what I was selling. The fragrances were cheap, and I was being instructed to lie about their quality. Heck, even the people entering the store hated my product – some would immediately say to me “Yuck! It stinks like a perfume department in here!” or “I don’t wanna buy it, so step away, jack!” This was a bit hurtful, as I was merely doing what corporate asked me to.
In my second sales position, I was peddling designer frames at Sunglass Hut. I was so exited at first! I absolutely loved, my product, and even borderline worshipped it. All that glitters is not gold, folks, and when you work in a Sunglass Hut, you no longer see the value of Ray Bans & Oakleys. They cost a couple dollars to manufacture and sell for $150; not to mention Luxoticca (the parent company) has a nasty monopoly over sunglasses.
I also didn’t like the sales process. We just stood there waiting until an unsuspecting patron entered. We then pounced down on them like a HAWK! Say hello, compliment their outfit, then ask to help them. Even if they said no, we were to stand there and watch them the whole time…while pretending to not be watching them. The store is loaded with mirrors for surveillance purposes. If I was that customer, I would simply want to be left the heck alone! Getting stared at the whole time doesn’t help either. For these reasons, the job was discomforting to me. So, I left it.
That brings us to March 2018. If it weren’t for this class I’d 100% loathe sales. However, wise Dr. Professor Sweet has convinced me the importance of sales…along with Sandler and Pink. I want to make it as an entepreneur…and when I say I want it, I mean I REALLY want it. This requires sales aptitude and enthusiasm. One must be able to throrughly sell their personal brand as well as their ideas and businesses. For these reasons, I now embrace the practice.
Instead of choosing between the identities of Dr. Entrepreneur & Mr. Salesman, I have now become both.
Thanks, Professor!
BoweryJE22