That’s right. No, you don’t need new reading glasses…I said it. I LOVE SALES. Why are people so scared of it? How did we ever get to this point? When I share my story about how I was able to replace a single income in our family, people are inspired, fascinated, curious and want to know how I did it. BUT when I tell them it was through the vehicle of Network Marketing, they suddenly run the other way like I just turned into the Three Eyed Monster. Is it really something I said?? Yes, absolutely.
I used to always tell people “I hate sales. I hate retail.” Of course, I never previously worked in this field, but had confidently formed my own judgements and assumptions. It felt kind of slimy and uncomfortable thinking about selling anything to anyone, especially to my own network. I had no sales background. I’d never sold anything to anyone in my life, let alone made a living out of it. So, I do get why people feel queasy with the idea of sales. Let me first just get this out of the way before I go on. Sales is what someone does, NOT who they are.
My mentor actually shared that she perceived sales as LOVE. You don’t have to love to sell, but you have to have a love for WHY you sell it. When you have determined that part, then whatever you’re selling, will sell itself.
What do you mean “Sales is love?”
At first I didn’t understand the point she was trying to make. Really, what she said made no sense to me at all. So let me enlighten you a bit because I know this might sound crazy given the fact that the majority of you will disagree with sales having the same quality or caliber as love. Here are four key points about how sales is love.
- Sales can improve and transform people’s lives. It did for me, and I have witnessed this among many of my friends. Sales through Network Marketing has created an income stream which allowed them the ability to pay off car loans, student debt, credit card bills, mortgages, Disney World vacations, bucket list vacations — even gain financial independence to leave an unhappy marriage and financial freedom to leave a full time job they were miserable in. Ask yourself this question … Why do people purchase something? To improve or make their lives better. Whether it’s a pressure cooker (which is totally amazing and you must buy it), a health drink, skin care or make-up, the goal is the same. The salesperson is simply facilitating the process. So at the basic level the products or services you sell can save you some time, or it’s a product that improves your health or your appearance. Just by taking part, you become a bigger version of yourself and help others do the same. As you become better at it, so do the rewards that come with it, life-changing rewards. Through improving people’s lives, you are showing that you are focused on love, not the sale.
- Sales can build meaningful relationships. When you focus your conversation on problems that you can help potential clients solve, you are approaching the sale from a place of caring. The number of new relationships I have started because of my business blows my mind. Some of my clients and business partners are now my dearest friends and favorite people. When you have a vehicle which allows you to create emotional connections with others (sales), you realize how powerful and impactful your job is. When you enjoy what you do, you look forward waking up every morning to these wonderful people you now call your clients! Love is experienced through creating strong, emotional bonds with others.
- Sales rewards you significantly for your results. My sales job showed me love through luxury trips so that I feel appreciated and loved for all the hard work and time I have put in to improve other people’s lives. This was true appreciation for my efforts, and I did feel loved. But in all my years working as a nurse in the hospital and helping patients to improve their health, the biggest reward I ever received was candy and a mug. As a nurse, never getting a lunch break or a bathroom break, working mandatory overtime and missing out on family moments was a common occurrence. I felt stressed, overwhelmed and underappreciated. But with sales, it was all love. How awesome would it have been, working as a nurse, busting your butt off with an empty stomach and full bladder, to be recognized for your hard work with a free luxury trip every year? Tell me that’s not love.
- Sales is being surrounded by positive people and a powerful force of loving energy. I know, sounds surreal and maybe bogus, but in all my years as a nurse, I have never felt as uplifted and empowered as I do since I have been in Network Marketing. Instead of being competitive or critical, my salespeople friends are happy, caring, fun, ambitious, generous and make you feel like there is nothing you cannot do. We rise by lifting each other up, not by tearing each other down. There is something to say about being a part of this community of women warriors who want the best for each other, cheer each other on and have the best intentions for your success. I have never experienced this level of support by anyone until I went into sales. Love is in the air when you are surrounded by this awesomeness.
It really is that awesome
So yes, I’m a part of Network Marketing. Yes, I’m proud of it, and for the average person with entrepreneurial dreams it is a better way. I am proud of who I am, what I do. With shoulders back and chin up, I am announcing to the world that I love sales.