When I’m not studying at Grove City College, I work as a full time hairstylist in Cleveland, Ohio. Going into the hair industry, I knew I needed creative and personal skills. I had no idea how much I would be involved in sales/selling. I had no previous training in sales yet somehow, I was learning to apply strategies addressed in this course without even recognizing it. I quickly realized…. results sell. If you are able to demonstrate the convenience or benefit of a product/ idea, a purchase on behalf of the consumer doesn’t take much convincing. I often employ this strategy by using specific products when styling a client’s hair. As I am styling, I explain what the product is and what it is designed to do. If the client loves the way their hair is styled, they are likely to purchase the products I used. To reiterate the idea of a sale, I place the products I suggested up at the front desk. This allows for a convenient purchase upon check out.
Sales in the hair industry is heavily based on trust. When a client consistently utilizes my services and leaves feeling satisfied, they are willing to trust my guidance and act upon it. It is crucial in these instances to not abuse this position. I only recommend products/additional services when I believe it would truly benefit the client or the client specifically inquires. This reinforces our service provider to client relationship. Not only this, but the client is likely to recommend me as a stylist if I have proven to be effective and honest. It is important to communicate in order to sell and reiterate the idea. However, an aggressive on the nose approach doesn’t tend to be as successful. There must be room for the customer to take initiative. Subconscious cues and demonstrations of products consistently bring in the most additional revenue. I’m excited upon return to my chair to employ some new strategies and observe their success rates.
taylorjt23 
Bondre24 
wheelerne24
I think your story fits well with the talk that Coach DiDonato gave, especially with the phrase features tell benefits sell. It seems you are able to use that strategy very well in the hairstyling business. It also sounds like you follow the sales funnel strategy that he was talking about as well, by socializing with the client while doing their hair and explaining the benefits of the products before finally seeing if they are interested in buying them before they leave.
I agree that it’s important for sellers to demonstrate the past results of the product when sharing about the product with the customer. Customer reviews and other concrete evidence is a huge factor for making a purchase decision. This builds trust and allows the customer to feel confident in their purchase.
Your point that “results sell” is a great example of how benefits matter more than just talking about features. When clients can actually see and feel the outcome, the product becomes more convincing than any sales pitch. Your personal experience is a great real world example of how good sales is about trust, results, and genuine care for the customer.