“To influence people, you need to know what already influences them.” – Tony Robbins
You may not think of yourself as a salesperson. Yet, every day, you engage in activities that are fundamentally about selling – not just products or services, but ideas, visions, and yourself. Understanding that everyone is in sales can transform how you approach your business.
Take Elon Musk, for example. He’s not just selling electric cars or space travel; he’s selling a vision of the future. His ability to influence and persuade has been central to his success. He shows us that selling is about more than transactions; it’s about sharing a story that resonates and inspires.
Embracing your inner salesperson means recognizing every interaction as an opportunity to influence and persuade. Whether you’re networking, pitching to investors, or leading your team, you’re essentially selling – an idea, a direction, a vision.
So, how can you enhance your innate sales ability? Start by honing your storytelling skills. A compelling story can be your most powerful selling tool. It creates an emotional connection and makes your message memorable. Also, focus on building genuine relationships. People buy from those they trust and feel connected to.
Action Step: Reflect on a recent interaction where you were trying to influence someone. How could you have incorporated storytelling or built a stronger relationship to improve the outcome?
Remember, selling isn’t a dirty word. It’s a fundamental human activity, and when done with integrity and empathy, it’s incredibly powerful.
To learn more about how embracing your sales side can revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey, be sure to check out our book of the week: “To Sell is Human” by Daniel Pink.