If you own a business, sales is a must-perform activity. But many of us don’t like to think of ourselves as “salespeople.” It’s a term with a lot of baggage. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
On this week’s episode of NAPO’s podcast Stand Out – Growing Your Organizing and Productivity Business, host Sarah Karakaian speaks with David J.P. Fisher, who knows a thing or two about selling without all the baggage.
Sarah and David begin their conversation talking about the bad rap selling sometimes gets. Some of us are uncomfortable with selling, because of some bad stereotypes that linger and, to be fair, remain the M.O. of some people who sell for a living.
David Fisher is about busting those stereotypes. In an age when buyers have access to at least as much information as those of us doing the selling, David suggests the image of a Sherpa as an apt metaphor for the sales process. As a Sherpa, your job is not so much to make someone do something. The job is to guide people with helpful information, ask good questions, and then ask the next question. This way, a potential client can make an informed buying decision.
The conversation with Sarah and David also delves into “filling the pipeline” activities – like networking. David has some great suggestions for anyone – but especially people who are not in love with in-person networking events. For David, the goal is to just say “hi” to 5 people. That’s the task he puts before himself. After that, the “work” is done, and he can relax and just let connections happen.
There’s much more packed into the interview – be sure you take a listen. To check out the podcast and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, visit: https://napopodcast.com/
David J.P. Fisher (also known as D. Fish) is a speaker, coach, and author of 7 books, including Hyper-Connected Selling. Building on 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and sales professional, he combines nuanced strategy and real-world tactics to help professionals become more effective, efficient, and happy.
David’s goal is to help them understand the new landscape of Hyper-Connected Selling, where social media, networking, and old-school sales and communication skills are the key to providing value and staying relevant. He lives in Evanston, IL – next to a huge cemetery which helps him appreciate the value of every day.