In Praise of Selling

Selling.  There, I said it.

I can’t believe that I’m actually going out here in favor of Selling!  But the simple truth is that things don’t change hands automatically.  They must be Sold.  Even the best of things have to be presented carefully and honestly to someone who has at least a moderate sense of need.  Without Sales, the economy drops, or stops.  Some say that’s not a bad thing, but I like my life, my car, and my job.  Without Salespeople, the rest of us would not have jobs.

You may be astounded that someone had the courage to defend Selling.  Me too, it’s not a popular position.  Not easy to defend.  Yet every great teacher is selling you on the area, the specifics, and your own potential as a student.  Every spiritual leader is selling you on the idea that you can reach a moment of peace through the spirit.  A great artist is selling you on the way they choose to portray the world – or what they see of it.  So much so that you want to keep the picture around for a while – maybe a lifetime.  Every great performer sells you a moment of transcendence – of getting you out of your own head – and you buy the original cast recording.  A great car salesman promises and delivers the right features at the right price and “a great ride”!

With so much buying going on, there have to be a few honest transactions.

A great salesperson is someone who honestly believes that with their product or service, your problem is solved.

We all know about the dishonest salespeople:

• The Broker who promised you a “ten bagger.”
• The CEO who promised stock options and an increasing share price.
• The Car Guy who sold you a lemon.
• The Doctor who took your money and left you hurting.
• The Insurance guy who takes your premium and leaves you the fine print.
• The Newspaper/Network that promises “Trusted News” and instead delivers gossip and commercials.
• The Government that promises fairness and… Oh hell, that’s an old story.

They are all selling.  Some are good, some lie.  We can’t live without the good ones; and we can’t live with the charlatans and the cheats.  Maybe we simply need to get better at making the distinction.

So, this is just a simple note of thanks and praise for the good and honest salespeople who have the integrity to “keep on keeping on” despite all the reasons not to.

The bad guys are trading on your equity and pissing in the cistern!  Hang in there people!  We’ll catch all the baddies someday.  And you’ll still be doing the good work!

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