What side of the desk?

I make no bones about the fact that I am a salesperson. Salespeople are vital to businesses and our economy.

Conversely, I get embarrassed and mad when I see sales people using "tricks" to close sales. I remember a sales trainer who said not to call your customer on the day of the meeting to confirm it, because they may cancel it. Really? Seriously? If your meeting was that shaky, I would contend that you really did not have a meeting.

As trite as it may sound, sales is all about helping the customer. Find your customers wants, needs, and goals and help them achieve them. Find out what keeps your customer up at night and help them solve it. In a nutshell, that is what sales is all about.

When you do that, you are on the same side of the desk. You are looking out for their business, their desires, and their goals. When you are on the customers side of the desk, things are always better for your company.

This week, go get on the customers side of the desk.