Has anyone else besides me had a hard time admitting they’re in sales? For the longest time I’ve had a hard time coming to grips with it. I have struggled with the idea that people will see me like the proverbial car salesman. The one that, as my Dad used to say, you like to see have both hands on the table. I just can’t stand the idea that someone would think me to be some sort of shyster just out to get their money.

After struggling with this for a long time, I’ve finally admitted that I’m in sales. In fact, I have to admit to what I heard Brian Tracy say recently and that is, everyone is in sales. It’s just a matter of some people getting paid for it.

That being said, I still don’t want to be thought of as a pick pocket. So I started doing a little searching around with regard to ethical selling. I was pleased to come across some individuals to whom this is of great concern. In fact, some people I’ve found even make it their business to weed out the riffraff.

There have been some very helpful things that I’ve gleaned from some of these men that I thought I’d share in the event that you’ve felt the same way.

Creating Relationships

The first thing I think you will appreciate is the idea of creating relationships. As someone who wishes to be ethical in their business, and doesn’t want to be thought ill of, you need to remind yourself that you’re in the business of is creating relationships.

It was really helpful for me to think of it this way because it’s exactly what I want. I don’t just want to be coming in contact with people for a short length of time. I want to get to know them. I want to find out who they are and what they’re about. That’s part of the fun of this business. You get to meet new and interesting people. Some very much like yourself, and some very different.

If you know anything about business, you know it’s these long term relationships that are the most productive. It’s the people that you establish good relationships with that will buy from you over and over again. They get to know you and your products, and want to know when your next creation comes out. They like to follow your business and see how you’re doing.

Pursuing long-term relationships and really getting to know people causes the idea of being in sales to take on a whole new light. You know you aren’t out there to rip people off. What you’re trying to do is add value to the lives of others. As you get to know your customers better and better, they will realize that more and more about you.

As that happens, you will find that you have reached one of your goals. Not to come across as a money-grabber, but to have the opportunity to share and enjoy your creations with others.