In class we discussed how Pink noted that the notion of a natural born salesman was a myth. I actually think I have to disagree with him.
No matter how many strategies, tactics, or models one can be taught, a very big factor in selling anything is the ability to sell yourself. Undoubtably, there are ways to make oneself more palatable to a potential customer, but I believe some individuals simply don’t have a good enough “self” to sell. If an individual simply has an unlikable personality, they aren’t going to make a very good salesman. For example, some individuals are naturally unsociable or creepy in mannerisms or behavior. Even more of a sad reality, though true, is that some people may simply look or sound creepy. I know we aren’t supposed to judge a person simply by appearance, but I think a lot of times it’s a subconscious observation made out of a sort of a survival instinct. We are going to mistrust or even avoid people that act or look creepy or scary.
Perhaps a creepy appearance can be overcome, but I highly doubt creepy behavior can. In order to overcome creepy behavior or mannerisms, one first needs enough introspection to recognize that they are being creepy to begin with- which I don’t think is likely. Recognition and admitting that one is creepy is probably difficult and I think most will deny it, unless they are told otherwise by another person.
I’m not going to pretend that people falling into this category can somehow overcome drawing a short straw in the genetic and/ or personality lottery by following a model.
On the other hand, some people obviously hit the jackpot when it comes to being a good salesman. Being bestowed with a good appearance surely helps. Or at the very least, just looking normal and not creepy is enough to be more of a “natural born salesman” than the creepy looking individuals mentioned beforehand. On the same note, having a sociable personality and not creepy mannerisms or behavior is also enough to be more of a “natural born salesman.”
Take Hannibal Lecter, played by Anothony Hopkins, in Silence of the Lambs. He is simply not a “natural born salesman”. No model can overcome his mannerisms and creepy gaze. Aside from manipulation tactics or making threats, can this person learn how to “move” you in a way supported by Pink? Though this is an extreme example, we have all encountered individuals that exhibit some of the creepy qualities portrayed in this film.
*****Stop watching at 1 minute, 30 seconds if foul language is offensive to you*****
BoweryJE22