In many industries, sales is often seen as a pushy, aggressive, and somewhat sleazy profession. The image of a salesperson who will stop at nothing to make a sale, regardless of the needs and wants of the customer, is a common one. However, this is not the only way to approach sales. In fact, I believe that it is possible to see sales as a service.
What does it mean to see sales as a service? At its core, it means putting the needs and wants of the customer first. Instead of trying to push a product or service onto a customer, the focus is on understanding their needs and finding the best solution for them. This requires a different mindset, one that sees the salesperson as a problem solver rather than a persuader.
When a salesperson approaches their work with a service mindset, they are focused on creating value for the customer. They are not just trying to make a sale, but are trying to build a long-term relationship with the customer. This means taking the time to understand their needs and wants, and then finding the best solution to meet those needs.
This approach can have a number of benefits for both the customer and the salesperson. For the customer, they are more likely to get a product or service that truly meets their needs, rather than feeling like they have been sold something they didn’t want or need. They are also more likely to trust the salesperson, and to feel like they have been heard and understood. For the salesperson, taking a service-oriented approach can lead to greater job satisfaction, as they are able to help people and build relationships, rather than just making sales.
Of course, taking a service-oriented approach to sales is not always easy. It requires a deep understanding of the products or services being sold, as well as the needs and wants of the customer. It also requires patience and a willingness to listen, even when the customer is not sure what they want. However, with practice and a commitment to putting the customer first, it is possible to build a successful sales career while also providing a valuable service to customers.
While the idea of sales as a service may be unfamiliar to some, I believe that it is a valuable and important approach to take. By focusing on the needs and wants of the customer, salespeople can create value for both themselves and their customers. By seeing sales as a service, we can shift the image of the sales profession from one that is pushy and aggressive to one that is helpful and focused on creating value for the customer.