The Anomaly of Sales: Turning Adversity into Opportunity
Sales is more than just a profession; it’s a life skill. From the moment we step into the world of interactions, we’re either selling or being sold to. Whether it’s convincing a panel during a job interview, pitching your ideas, or negotiating in everyday life, sales is at the core of human engagement. Yet, for many, the idea of "sales" carries a stigma—a notion of pushiness or superficial charm. It's time to change that narrative.
A Lifelong Learning Journey
Reflecting on my career, sales have been a thread connecting all my experiences. I started in interior design, selling furniture to customers who often couldn’t visualize its place in their homes. From there, I transitioned into real estate, closing property deals worth tens of millions. Later, consulting sharpened my skills in selling ideas and strategies to those hesitant to embrace change. Today, I work in a SaaS environment, supporting sales teams while continuing to refine my craft.
Every phase required me to adapt, learn, and evolve. Tools like Excel, Google Workspace, and business writing were picked up as a university vice president navigating student community challenges. Financial analysis and deck development—skills I once disliked—became crucial during my consulting days.
"Survival 101? That’s where sales skills truly shine, honed not in classrooms but through the school of life."
Sales Isn’t Just a Job; It’s a Mindset
One story stands out. During my NYSC clearance, a fellow copper saw my trading view and approached me for a conversation about trading equities led me to create an 18-page deck on "Guide to Growing Your Wealth on NGX", which I sold to five people within two weeks. This wasn’t about making money; it was about testing the power of knowledge transfer and B2C interactions, and also to test if knowledge could truly be packaged and sold. Spoiler alert: it can!
A builder's mindset—identifying gaps and creating solutions—is essential for anyone in sales.
How to stay ahead of the curve?
领英推荐
Remember!
The Dark Side of Sales
Let’s not sugarcoat it—sales can be a high-pressure environment. Rejections sting, ghosting frustrates, and targets loom large. Yet, those moments build resilience. By shifting focus from transactions to relationships, sales becomes a fulfilling journey rather than a grind.
Reimagining Sales as a Career
Sales is no longer about slick-talking pitches; it’s about empathy, strategy, and value creation. The generalist nature of sales allows professionals to branch into leadership, strategy, or even entrepreneurship. It’s a career that rewards not just skills but a proactive mindset.
Final Thoughts
If you’re skeptical about sales as a career, think of it this way: Sales isn’t just a job; it’s a way to shape your life. It’s about understanding people, finding opportunities, and building something bigger than yourself.
So, whether you’re selling yourself in an interview, pitching an idea, or just navigating life’s complexities, remember: you’re always selling. The question is—what are you building with it?