Luke is a Salesman

I sometimes have mixed feelings when someone calls me a “good salesman.”

It’s a great compliment, and I have a track record of success in sales environments. I sure have grown a lot since my years in retail sales. It’s one thing to beat sales goals for electronics, and it’s another to make a seven-figure pitch to a multi-billion dollar company. I’ve succeeded at both!

However, I’m not too fond of the stereotypical high-pressure, overpromising salesman. A good sales person should not be like an unwanted telemarketer, but in person. They need to get results by connecting to people, listening to their needs, and responding with tailored approaches. Communication, integrity, and responsibility are the most important skills to have, both in sales and regular daily life.

I believe that personal attention makes people happy, and happy people are eager customers. I’m good at making happy customers – I’ve been invited to regional sales meetings to share my techniques and tips with my peers.

I like to reply that I’m not a good salesman – I just have a great product that can fit your needs.

It’s a pretty good line; maybe it proves their point.