Sometimes, people who work with me often wonder how I was able to master the art of selling and negotiation. As I think about this, I realise that the exposures I had during my childhood selling for and with my mum really contributed to this. There was hardly no edible I did not sell. I understood the art of selling.
Friend, you need to learn the art of selling (2 Kings 4:7). This is one of the less discussed but very important skills in the school of success. Simply put, you cannot succeed better than your ability to sell. Beyond learning marketing in the four walls of the university, you need to learn how this plays out in everyday life (Matthew 25:24-30).
Selling is about communicating value. It is being able to let people see the value in something in a way that they are ready to pay for it (Proverbs 17:8). Since human beings are naturally selfish, you need to let them see how who you are or what you have would benefit them. You need to put them first, not yourself or the product. If people can see what’s in it for them, they would be willing to pay.
Sometimes, the value of something is not as important as how that value is communicated (Philemon 1:6). This is why the same product or person can attract different rewards or compensations (Proverbs 20:14). Some people have much value but cannot communicate it effectively, while others with less value have found a way to market such value. Don’t only be a person of value, but also know how to communicate that value (Genesis 30:28-34).
The first person to sell is you. People buy into the person before they buy into the product (Genesis 39:1-6). Sometimes, when people like you, they would buy your product even when they don’t necessarily need it. In leadership, people would first buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. People don’t invest in vision. They invest in people. If someone believes in you, he would believe in your vision and go all the way to support it (1 Chronicles 12:18, 22, Luke 8:1-3).
Perception matters. How people see you would influence how they respond to you (Esther 2:15). This was why Joseph shaved himself before appearing before Pharaoh. You need to represent your vision or product well (Genesis 41:14). You cannot be selling wellness products while appearing sickly. You cannot market excellence with mediocre appearance. What would you do today to improve your value, perception, and communication?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria