Why ‘everybody lives by selling something’ is key to your success

‘Everybody lives by selling something’ was the trend in our 12 Sales Trends for 2010, voted as second most important for businesses in 2010. It is a very significant trend on many levels as it involves everyone, not just the people who are labelled as ‘sales’.

‘Everybody lives by selling something’ has had a profound impact on our business at Barrett. Since we introduced this as our core philosophy and principle behind our work, it has been amazing how many people feel open to discuss the topic of selling and sales, especially those people who have been most reluctant to the concept of selling including professions such as teaching, law, accounting, IT, HR, and engineering.

At first, it seemed that this statement may narrow us to being seen as just ‘sales’ focused but in fact the opposite has occurred. While ‘everybody lives by selling something’ has focused our attention on what we do well, it has also broadened our horizons in terms of who we work with. This statement, coined back in the late 1800’s by Robert Louis Stevenson, has shifted the conversation to a broader landscape. We now engage with, train and coach teachers, accountants, lawyers, engineers, and others who would never have considered selling as part of their professional repertoire.

‘Everybody lives by selling something’ seems to have allowed people to discuss an area that is fundamental to human relationships and communication, the principle of exchange. In our lives we are all exchanging things of value. Whether what we exchange is of value to others should be determined through effective communication, open dialogue and trust.

Taken to an organisation-wide level, everybody in a company has an impact on how the business communicates with and engages in the principle of exchange with its customers, suppliers, the broader community and each other.

The legacy of silos in organisations, where departments distance themselves from each other, pitting their agenda against others to gain an upper hand, is the opposite of the principle ‘everybody lives by selling something’. It flies in the face of being a fit, viable business, yet this still happens, and businesses, staff, customers and the broader community suffer as a result. All the bluster about being ‘world’s best practice’ or ‘best of breed’ comes undone in an instant when people forget that ‘everybody lives by selling something’. The energy wasted, emotions expended and distress caused because people think they were more important than the greater good of their company, their customers and the community is very sad.

It reminds me of a simulation exercise we run with teams where people form groups (‘companies’) and then have to create their own departments. The dynamics of this particular simulation test people’s ability to choose between the greater good for their ‘company’ or the self-interest of their own department, thereby tests their ability to engage in the principle of exchange. Although each group is a company in itself, they are also competing for points against the other groups (‘companies’) in the simulation. It is amazing how many people compete with people within their ‘company’ and end up losing out to a competing ‘company’. Their focus falls internally and they miss the point entirely.

The irony is that while we say that we are focused on trying to stay ahead of our competitors with better products and services and snappy marketing, it is often the internal competitions (politics, one-upmanship, disassociation from customers and sales) in our own organisations that is undermining our efforts to be effective, sales fit and successful.

Everybody in our organisations needs to be an ambassador for our business, our message and our brand. There needs to be recognition that we are in one of two roles 1) actively involved in selling or 2) supporting someone who is.

How well people and organisations embrace and practice this philosophy will be the test in 2010. We encourage you to have open discussions about ‘everybody lives by selling something’ in your business and see what happens.

Enlightened sales people and leaders already recognise that ‘product’ is only part of the sales process and that selling is actually a ‘value exchange’, underpinned by real relationships. Those companies that support and train all their people in a culture of proactive client engagement, transparent selling and proactive positive communication practices aligned with their strategy, will gain a significant competitive advantage in 2010.

So we would like to ask you, do you live by selling something?

Click here for blogs from Sue Barrett.

Sue Barrett is a Thought Leader on 21st century sales training, sales coaching, sales leadership, sales capability and sales culture. She practices as a coach, advisor, speaker, facilitator, consultant and writer and works across all market segments with her skilful team at BARRETT.  They help people from many different careers become aware of their sales capabilities and enable them to take the steps to becoming effective, and productive when it comes to selling, sales coaching or sales leadership. Sue and her team are your first and best reference when it comes to forging out a successful career as a competent sales professional and leader . If you have an idea, capability, product, service or opportunity that can benefit another and make their life better in some way then Sue says you need to be able to sell – ethically, honourably, and effectively.  To hone your sales skills or learn how to sell go to www.barrett.com.au.