be a sales man or get a sales man.

[robsutcliffe]

Okay so I just saw this (http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/09/14/the-top-5-reasons-to-be-a-jack-of-all-trades/) on tims blog.

and was wondering what the general consensus is on this?

I'm looking at getting a few people to do my sales on my services for me! I suck at it and the extra money a salesman can negotiate should pay there own commission right? But it seems like a pretty useful skill to learn, is it worth me taking the time out to develop this skill rather than work on my own work?

I personally think that people are good in different areas... some people good at communication some people are good at creativity etc... just wanted to get an overall opinion maybe a few examples of personal experiences.

[FreedomFinder]

Honestly, I'd learn it yourself first, not only because it's a great skill to have, but it will also allow you to identify other good sales VA's when you're talking to them, as well as train them properly. If you don't know how to do it, it will stifle their own ability to successfully sell what you're offering.

-FF

[Sven]

One thing that a lot of people tend to forget:

Selling is about listening. So ask all the questions you can come up with so you find out about the needs. Then sell to that need

[robsutcliffe]

nice. cheers guys. great answers.

So how would you go about starting? (i would rather just do it than start reading some theory books) do you just call some companies up and ask to come in and talk to them about it? do you guys have a lot of experience here?

[YesIamAPig]

Wow

I would like to be an engineer next week too. Hell, maybe I can go on a course or two and start building bridges?

Doctor sounds fun! Ill read up on it over the interwebs and start my own practice.

Its a profession guys. As much a profession as any other and one that requires particular abilities and aptitude. More than that, it requires experience.

If you cant sell, and you have a product or service that requires direct selling, employ sales people. Be prepared to pay a fair whack and be prepared to pay commissions too. Its not your product that sells, its the salesman that sells your product or service.

If you are going to sell something yourself, start reading as much as you can. Everything from sales training courses to industry information. Then stick it out for the first 2-3 years as doors get slammed in your face, people hang up when you phone and you are generally treated like absolute shit.

By then you will have an understanding of what sales is about, after which you can then print money like the good ones do OR you can throw in the towel like 70% of salespeople do before they hit the 24 month mark.

If you are seriously contemplating employing some average Joe, with the promise of great commissions your awesome product/service will provide, expect poor results. If anyone could sell, they would all be doing it.

[Josiah]

This guy, Jeffrey Gitomer (http://www.gitomer.com/), has some good stuff. My grandfather is an insurance salesman and he keeps copies of "the little red book of selling" to give away.

[REOBULK]

Sales is tricky and there is a lot to know about it, simple but not easy.

I don't think I know enough about what your selling to give you a very good response. Honestly, some "things" sell themselves and you only need good marketing material, other things need a personal touch but that can be outsourced to customer service.....see?

So, what are you selling?

[Essence]

Keep in mind, even on the blog post you mentioned, Tim says it's possible to become world-class in any skill...

in a year.

So unless you're planning to spend the next year not selling anything, or selling it badly, I suggest you invest, temporarily, in a sales person to work your muse while you learn his trade.

[lovesong]

You can be a sales man right now! Don't listen to the others saying you can't. However, you should be honest with yourself if you think and feel you can be good.

How can I say this? Well, I've been in real estate sales for almost 12 years. If you get along with people, social, you'll be fine. Often ppl think sales ppl have to be a certain way, know certain questions to ask, and yes they are correct, but sometimes they forget that establishing rapport and trust are key components to sales. And if one is honest, has integrity and truly looking out for the client's best interests, ppl can feel it and will want to work with you.

My best piece of advice is when you are having a sales meeting, phone call, make sure you are rested and have eaten a healthy meal earlier in the day. If you feel like crap, are negative, ppl can feel it and you won't be as efficient had you been feeling 100%.

Good luck!
lovesong

[vmgbpo]

Yes, absolutely focus on what you are good at and outsource the rest.

That being said – you should have at least a basic understanding of the task, whether it be sales or widget assembly, so that you can identify quality talent and communicate effectively.

[BlindSquirrel]

I just posted this in another thread about books, but I found The Ultimate Sales Machine (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Machine-Turbocharge-Relentless/dp/1591841607)a helpful book. I have zero experience in sales, but I know the product I want to sale inside and out. After reading that book I had pleanty of information to at least get me started selling.

Hope that helps...

[Griffin]

Okay so I just saw this (http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/09/14/the-top-5-reasons-to-be-a-jack-of-all-trades/) on tims blog.

and was wondering what the general consensus is on this?

I'm looking at getting a few people to do my sales on my services for me! I suck at it and the extra money a salesman can negotiate should pay there own commission right? But it seems like a pretty useful skill to learn, is it worth me taking the time out to develop this skill rather than work on my own work?

I personally think that people are good in different areas... some people good at communication some people are good at creativity etc... just wanted to get an overall opinion maybe a few examples of personal experiences.


I considered hiring a sales staff recently as well, but realized it really isn't for me. I'm not great at sales either, but here is what I figured out:

1) I only need(ed) a few mediocre-good clients to make a great living.
2) I want to focus on client longevity, rather than short projects.
3) I don't compete on price or do a lot of bulk work.

And all of those factors mean I wouldn't be able to sustain a sales staff of 1, let alone a whole team. Developing a good lead-generation strategy is actually pretty easy, just takes time and trying a few different things.

I'm still not great at sales, but getting better. The hardest part for me is sounding confident without sounding arrogant. Practice makes perfect on this. :)