Selling, moi?
Selling is the most basic and fundamental skill required to be a successful entrepreneur. And yet, similar to public speaking, many of us are scared to do it.
Despite our fears, every one of us has been selling since the day we were born.You know, we all have lied about something. We all have submitted one kind of resume selling our skills when job hunting. Or what about that ad getting rid of those old CD’s?
According to Google, there are 5 types of sellers.
1. The Hard Seller
Considered as the one who “scares prospects into buying” something, this is the type of salesperson most of us associate with used car sales, fairground hucksters and telemarketers. Personally, I don’t have the heart or stomach to try to scare anyone into buying.
I was lucky enough to spend my last holiday in Cancun, Mexico. We made time to go and visit the ruins in Chichen-Itza. The sales techniques at every stand we passed were so aggressive and persistent that we felt guilty and uncomfortable for not buying things. One of these “vendedores” said to me, “Lady, it’s almost free — come on, which one are you buying?” This style may be good for a single sale to a one-time audience, but doesn’t lend itself to repeat business or positive word-of-mouth. Anyway, I repeat, I’m scared to do this to people.
2. The Guru
More logical and less emotional approach often set themselves the task of becoming experts in anything and everything related to their industry. Most of us could be placed under this category and if we look really closely, introverts could fit very well into this category too.
3. The Buddy
Using a warm and friendly approach, the Buddy asks questions and shows interest in clients. This salesperson tries to connect on an emotional level with a prospective customer. Are you thinking Mary Kay? I am. Don’t we all love going to the ‘family’ first because we feel at ease with someone we know?
4. The Networker
Takes it to the next level, setting up and maintaining a web of friends, co-workers, salespeople from other companies, customers and former customers, and anyone else he or she meets. They remember people who do them favours or send them leads by reciprocating and sharing information, perqs and benefits.
5. The Consultant
This salesperson is a hybrid: take a little Guru, add some Buddy and sprinkle a pinch of Networker in there for funsies.
After a lot of consideration on these past 5 types and not really convinced I can position myself in one of them, I think it qualifies me to create a 6th type: “The Door-to-Door” seller.
6. The Door-to-Door
Combining the Networker, the Buddy and a pinch of the Hard Seller this seller will knock on your front door (or patio, if this person is well-known in your household) to try to sell you the new must-have. If the sale doesn’t go though, there are no hard feelings. After all, you are buddies and you both might see at someone’s party or when knocking at your door again.
Doña María, was a very old lady that lived 4 houses down from us. She used to come by the weekends to convert talk to us about her Jehovah’s witness religion. But from time to time, she used to come over to sell us tamales – delicious cornmeal wraps. Also, once a month, she would knock on our door to invite us to her Tupperware parties. It started with her just trying to earn extra cash, but she soon became the go-to person in our neighborhood. She was old but fearless and we always admired her resourcefulness and helpful nature.
Link Party:
Northwest Mommy who is celebrating her 100th Mondaylisticle. Hooray!
