Sales is seen (by some) as a bad word…

Some use terms like business development or account manager rather than saying there in sales.

In reality. Most of us are in sales. Either directly or in-directly.

Yes. These days. There are less people in direct sales. The latest stat says it’s 1 in 8 of UK workers.

But I’d argue most of the other 7 carryout in-direct sales in 1 form or another.

Take our printing technology & office supplies business. We have a team of 9. A general manager, a sales manager, 2 customer support people, a technical manager, 2 technicians & 2 drivers.

Each team member has a vital role in helping our customers & this also involves selling some things too. But we only have Daniel (our sales manager) with sales in his title. So, what about the others?

Kerry & Maddie form our customer support team & are both reactive & proactive in communicating with our customers. Constantly advising the best products to help them. Yes selling.

Mike & Chris (our local delivery drivers) are very knowledgeable about our business. On their travels they do their best to help customers & engage our team where required. Yes. They’re selling.

Technical manager Paul is always networking & carries out our free assessments. Advising potential customers how much they can save by switching to different printing technology. Yes selling.

Steve & Adam (our technicians) are always chatting & advising our customers when out on support jobs. Many occasions spotting ways to solve other customer problems, leading to extra work. Selling.

Even Jodie our General Manager sells. Jodie’s always assisting the team by taking & making calls. Helping customers with their requirements & advising on appropriate solutions.

It’s funny though. We don’t see it as selling.

Our job is to help our customers solve their problems in the most efficient & cost-effective way. And we’re passionate about providing simple honest service. Backed up with fixed priced guarantees.

Nobody though. Should be ashamed of selling (except those who hoodwink others). Selling should be celebrated. As if we didn’t sell things, we couldn’t help our customers solve their problems.

Do you agree or disagree?