While I have a fondness for most 4-letter words, “sales” has always been pretty offensive to me. I just didn't have alot of positive impressions of sales, both as an employee in sales and marketing departments, as well as a consumer.
When I decided to work for myself, I struggled with sales. In large part due to my negative perception of it. But, as any business owner (eventually) learns, you can't avoid sales.
For my May Pastry Box contribution, I write about some of the basic sales lessons I'm learning, primarily re-defining what true sales really is.
Embracing the Sales-Side of Freelancing
I realized I needed to do something with sales this year. I started by joining some networking groups and, frankly, hating it every step of the way. The schmoozing … the elevator pitches … the suits. It all just turned me off. I liked meeting the people, but the environment is forced. It feels fake. At least to me.
And then we talked with Brad Parscale on EE Podcast. His perspective on sales and how he incorporated it into his business was a wake up call to me: “You're doing it wrong!”
Since then, I've taken time to redefine what sales means to my business and my potential clients. As I write for the Pastry Box, I'm trying a few new techniques that don't make me miserable like networking events do, and it's actually paying off.
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