We’re All Rainmakers: Why Selling is the Secret to Thriving in Every Career

Zig Ziglar, the renowned sales trainer, famously said, “Everyone works on a commission.” At first glance, this may seem relevant only to salespeople—those closing deals and earning percentages. But Ziglar’s words hold a deeper truth: no matter our profession, we’re all in the business of selling.

Whether it's selling your ideas to your boss, your skills to a hiring manager, or a project to your team, we are constantly selling something. We’re all sales professionals, or "Rainmakers," whether we realize it or not. Embracing this reality can reshape how we approach our roles, communication, and career growth. Here’s why.

The Ubiquity of Sales: Why It’s Everyone’s Job

You might not think of yourself as a “salesperson,” but in reality, selling is an essential part of any role. Whether you’re pitching a new idea, advocating for your work, or making a case for a raise, you’re selling. Let’s explore two common forms of selling that apply to everyone:

1. Internal Selling: Convincing Stakeholders

In almost every profession, there’s a need for "internal selling"—selling your value, ideas, or expertise to stakeholders within your organization. Consider a project manager advocating for more resources. It’s not just about having a solid idea; it’s about clearly communicating that idea’s value. Success in internal selling directly impacts career growth, promotions, and recognition.

2. External Selling: Serving Clients and Customers

For those who engage directly with clients or customers, the selling process is more explicit. Lawyers sell their ability to protect clients’ rights. Teachers sell knowledge and inspiration to students. Even software developers may need to sell their technical solutions to clients. The key skills here persuasion, empathy, and the ability to communicate value; are essential in every professional interaction, regardless of your industry.

Why Zig Ziglar Was Right: “Everyone Works on Commission”

Zig Ziglar’s “commission” isn’t limited to financial earnings. In every profession, there’s a reward tied to how effectively you sell. This commission could be career advancement, trust, or personal satisfaction, but it’s always there.

Trust and Reputation as Commission

In fields like healthcare, education, and even politics, trust is a key form of commission. Think of Nigeria’s politicians—if they were better at selling hope and building trust, perhaps our economy would be in a stronger place.

Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Franklin D. Roosevelt effectively sold their visions of hope, gaining public trust and shaping their nations' futures. Their ability to sell wasn’t just about words, it created real lasting impact. When leaders fail to sell hope effectively, they lose public confidence, which can have broader consequences.

The Skills of Sales: Essential for Everyone

Since we’re all rainmakers in our own way, mastering key sales skills like communication, empathy, and resilience is essential for long-term success.

1.???? Communication and Storytelling: In any profession, your ability to communicate clearly and tell a compelling story matters. Whether you’re presenting data or pitching an idea, the ability to make your case persuasively is a skill that drives success.

2.???? Empathy and Listening: Great salespeople know how to listen. Understanding others’ needs builds trust and strengthens relationships. This applies whether you're managing a team, working with clients, or serving a community.

3.???? Resilience and Adaptability: Salespeople face constant rejection, which builds resilience. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new circumstances is crucial, no matter your role.

Embrace the Rainmaker Mindset

Recognizing that we’re all rainmakers shifts how we approach our careers. Selling isn’t just for salespeople—it’s a mindset that can help anyone thrive. Every interaction is an opportunity to sell your ideas, build relationships, and demonstrate your value.

By embracing this mindset, you’ll develop essential skills that will make you a more effective communicator, a more empathetic leader, and a more resilient professional. And along the way, you’ll earn your commission—whether it’s recognition, career growth, or personal fulfillment. So, next time you pitch an idea or present a project, remember: you’re a rainmaker. Understanding this is the first step toward thriving in any career.

In conclusion embrace your role as a rainmaker. Reflect on how you can improve the way you communicate, build relationships, and sell your value, whether to your boss, team, or clients. Start selling your ideas and skills with confidence and watch your career transform!

Have a “Salesful” Week

#WeAreAllInSales #RainmakerMindset #CareerGrowth