This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
September 18, 2019, marked a day when a salesman's pride almost cost him a sale. The scenario is a stark reminder that pride can be a major obstacle in the sales process.
Imagine being in a prison courtyard, trying to make a sale. Or, picture yourself pitching to a lady in the ladies' washroom. If the thought of either scenario makes you uncomfortable, it's likely that pride is getting in the way of your selling potential.
According to a story shared by a salesman, he once had to complete a sale in the ladies' washroom because the buyer was afraid of being seen by her boss. The salesman's willingness to adapt and make the sale in an unconventional setting earned him the buyer's respect, not disdain.
On the other hand, pride can also lead to frustration and missed opportunities. A salesman who was too proud to follow a customer around a supermarket lost a sale because he refused to 'beg' the customer to make a purchase. His pride in being a 'scientist' and consultant blinded him to the fact that the customer needed to see the value in the product, not just the science behind it.
The key to success in sales is to be willing to 'stoop to conquer.' This means being adaptable, willing to listen, and able to communicate the value of the product in a way that resonates with the customer. By letting go of pride and being more customer-focused, salespeople can increase their chances of making a sale and building long-term relationships with their customers.
