Some of these folks have been trained to sell by their up-lines. Some have never been trained. Some just bought-in to the business because of some terrific hype heard at one of those Learn How To Get Rich Like Me rallies. But they have all learned to make a double sale: sell the product AND buy-in to the ‘business opportunity’ at the same time.

That’s a hard way to go: folks have a hard-enough time these days deciding to spend any money at all, and when asked to figure out if they want to spend money on cosmetics that they most likely don’t really need AND get others to work for/with them as they are also trying to find a ‘real job (but are ever hopeful that they can convince friends and relatives to understand the business opportunity also).

I suggest that folks selling these products focus on one thing to sell: either the product OR the business opportunty – not AND. This is far less daunting: folks only have to choose a cream or a lipstick, not push away because you are asking for too much. Remember: all buyers have their own unique, idiosyncratic buying criteria that most likely has nothing whatsoever to do with your product details or their possible ‘need.’ Use your knowledge of the field and history of selling your product to help lead your prospects through the types of decisions they need to make. And trust that they will do the best they can do so long as you’re not pushing them into a corner.

The time it takes folks to come up with their own answers (their own answers) is the length of the sales cycle (See my new book about this, Dirty Little Secrets: why buyers can’t buy and sellers can’t sell and what you can do about it.). Stop selling and help them manage their decision issues. You’ll make a lot more money, it will be a lot easier, and you’ll actually be helping people find jobs – with you.

sd

Selling from home is a post from: SharonDrewMorgen.com

When I was young, I had to work myself through college. For two years I was a live in maid. One year I did dishes for my dorm (got up at 5:30 a.m…. impressed?) and was a secretary. One year I had a State car and did public opinion polls. I could really tell you some great stories about that!

I did whatever it took. And when I was a single mom with a small child,  I worked an extra job as a waitress the nights that my son was with his dad. When I became a social worker, I loved helping people. As an entrepreneur, I loved the stature, the people, and the creativity. As a writer and thinker and trainer, I love using my brain.

I certainly was not always in love with my jobs, and sometimes they broke my spirit and my back. I”ve been totally on my own since 17, so I’ve had to support myself – and luckily I was usually able to find employment, and didn’t spend too much time going hungry. Every job has given me what I”ve needed at the time. Sometimes enough money to feed my kid; sometimes ego fulfillment; sometimes creativity.

I’d like to think that at this point in history we are creating work environments for people so they can flower and be treated with respect, even in menial positions. I’m sad that their are still sweat shop jobs that destroy people’s spirits. I hope this changes.

I”ve appreciated every job I”ve ever had, and am now also very appreciative of the day off so I can free up my heart and brain for a day and get some juice… so I can pick up the gauntlet again on Tuesday morning.

Jobs are blessings. I sure look forward to a time when we have low unemployment again so everyone can be blessed.

Enjoy your day off.

sd

Labor Day: What Do We Work For? is a post from: SharonDrewMorgen.com