"I am not a salesperson!"

I’ve always been turned off by the sound of the title, salesperson. I remember being approached by many people in my past to sell Avon, Amway, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, and more. I normally answered with the same statement, “I am not a salesperson, so I'm not interested.” With their best selling techniques and intentions, they would still invite me to their sales functions or presentations to try to convince me otherwise. Their responses were always the same- “But Kiera, you know everybody and you’re so good with people and building relationships. All you have to do is use the product and then share your story with others.” Ironically, I have been using Mary Kay products for over 25 years. I could've been driving one of their pink Cadillacs by now! Did I mention how much I love the Pampered Chef garlic press? Carry on.

The problem is that I associate being a salesperson as someone who is fake, pushy, and just wants to make money. One thing that is true, I do know everybody- well, at least I know someone who knows someone else. And if I don’t know them, I will get to know them. I have never met a stranger and I don't mind talking to others. The ability to connect with others is a natural gift of attraction.

Like many people, I have taken a variety of personality assessments throughout my career and they all had common results. I am a problem solver, a connector of people, teacher, analytical thinker, executor and leader, just to name a few. I never realized that these were all key qualities and characteristics for being a successful salesperson. No matter how much I deny it, the title of salesperson continues to chase after me throughout my career.

Successful Salesperson Takeaways:

1. Belief- You must first believe in what it is that you are "selling". Whether it is a tangible product, a vision, a mission, or a strategic plan, you must, first, believe in it. Once you believe in what you are doing, others will feel your genuine self. Here is where true leadership begins. Additionally, believing in your product leads to self-confidence as a leader.
2. Trust- With your beliefs comes trust. People will trust you because you are now sharing a lived experience. Your lived experiences shape how and what you will teach others. These experiences have breathed life lessons, best practices, and nuggets to share with others. You can trust it because you have firsthand experience.
3. Passion- Passion comes from an authentic place within yourself. If I believe in something and I trust it, I will share it with others. Hence, the reason why so many people tried to get me to become a salesperson. My passion for something that I believe in will be clear in my energy and commitment to its' success. As a problem solver and encourager, I also want to see others succeed.
4. Commitment- It takes commitment to be successful. For those of us who are still working on becoming successful, we know that it does not come overnight. We also know that we cannot do it alone. Focus and dedication to the overall goal is key. I know that I stand on the backs of many giants who have either taught me, pushed me, or pulled me along the way. I am committed to doing the same for others.
5. Fun- One of my core beliefs is that no matter what I am doing, I must have fun. When someone imposes their products or beliefs on me and I do not believe or trust it, I will no longer have fun doing it. It's easy to see when a person loves what they are doing. They are laughing, has a positive outlook, and they don't feel like they are working. The reason for this is that they are actually having fun and enjoying what they do. Therefore, "selling" comes naturally.

Although I am currently in the business development and sales industry, it is not the way it started. I am also a teacher, college administrator, and a professional counselor. I still don't consider myself a salesperson and will deny it if you call me one...LOL. However, I love to help people, I love to provide others with solutions, and I if I believe in it, I will have fun and share it with everybody!