So lots of people have different feelings about direct sales. To some, it’s simply part of normal business life and they expect it. For others, images of boiler rooms, stressed out caffeine addicts with nicotine stains all over their fingers and teeth make them terrified to entertain the idea of talking to a sales person!
But what about being a Christian in sales? What are things really like? What are the dangers? What are the benefits? How should we think about this industry with redeemed minds?
I’m going to explain how to sell without sinning.
1. Work for a Company with a Code of Ethics
The reality is that the culture of a sales office changes from company to company. Some of them are horrible, stressful environments where lying, pressurizing customers and other underhanded ways are the norm and acceptable, and I think a Christian would be unable to work in a way that pleases God in such a company.
But they aren’t all like that, particularly in larger companies with expensive brands to protect. Such companies tend to look after their staff well, set realistic but stretching goals and expectations, and insist upon honesty and straightforwardness. It’s much easier to work somewhere that has a culture of honesty as a Christian than elsewhere.
2. Value the Needs of the Customer Above Your Own
A Christian can’t live with the “sale-at-any-cost” mentality, and needs to be prepared to walk away from the sale if the product doesn’t genuinely benefit the customer. Find out if the customer needs your product, before seeing if they want it.
3. Believe in the Product
A Christian, to sell something with integrity, needs to believe in what they’re selling. Is the product good value for money? Is it worth people hearing about and purchasing? Can it be sold clearly and with no strings attached, no hidden fees and no detrimental effects to the buyer? If you can’t answer those questions positively, you shouldn’t sell it.
4. Believe in the Method
You also need to be comfortable with the manner and method of selling your being asked to do. Some people prefer consultation to cold calling, and feel bad contacting clients uninvited. Some prefer face to face and find telesales intrusive. But you have to believe in the way you’re being asked to do it. Otherwise, your conscience is singed every day, and you harden it unnecessarily.
5. Believe it’s for You
Not everyone has the right constitution or a thick enough skin for sales. Sometimes it’s fast paced, stressful, tiring and demanding. Sometimes you can’t avoiding having to work strange hours or put the extra in. Sometimes you’ll take 97 No’s before you find your next Yes. Not everyone can handle it, or distance themselves from the difficulties. It isn’t for everyone and you have to believe you can handle it.
In closing, don’t believe the stereotypes. Most sales people are consummate professionals with a genuinely beneficial service or product to offer. Yeah, the culture is pretty driven and money- orientated, but on the whole, it’s a great career, with excellent pay and promotion prospects. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.
Arron
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