Ever walked into a store, and within minutes, a salesperson was hovering over you, pushing products on you that you didn’t ask for? Or maybe you’ve gotten a cold call where someone reads off a script and they don’t even know your name. That’s traditional selling–and most people hate it.
The reason traditional sales tactics feel so off-putting is because they’re focused on closing the deal, not serving the person. It’s built around pressure, manipulation, and a win no mater what mentality. Customers can sense it when a salesperson is more interested in making money than actually helping them, that’s a big turnoff.
Old-school selling often relied on talking more than listening. Salespeople dominated the conversation, pitched features and benefits, and pushed hard for a yes at the end of this “conversation”. But nobody likes being sold to…people love to buy as long as it’s on their own terms.
Modern, effective sales is built on trust, curiosity, and value. Instead of walking into a conversation with a pitch, great salespeople start with questions. They seek to understand the customer’s needs, challenges, and goals, and then offer a solution if it’s the right fit. No pressure, no tricks, just genuine help.
The shift from traditional selling to serving in sales is powerful. When you make the conversation about the customer, not the sale, people naturally lower their defenses and any walls they may have built up prior to the call. They engage more, and they feel understood. Ultimately, the prospect will be more likely to buy in this case.
SchrieberBE23 
FrenchJA21 
andersonsa22
Totally agree — the best salespeople focus on building real relationships, not just closing deals. When you lead with curiosity and genuinely try to help, the sale becomes a natural outcome, not a forced one. That’s where real trust (and long-term success) comes from.