You can't MAKE me.

I'm not really one for "sales".  I don't like being pressured, whatsoever, into buying.  To be honest, I've often chosen to go without rather than succumb...

(Herein the title comes into play...  Hey?!?  I am NOT stubborn.  lol) 

Nor do I ever want to pressure someone else into buying something they do not want or need. Meanwhile, my husband spent much of his childhood years in a flea market; selling.  He's quite talented at making 'most anything sound desirable; loves selling and being sold to; or is it the being schmoozled part he enjoys?  lol

He and I started managing dental offices 10 years ago.  At first I was uncomfortable "selling", but was pleasantly surprised listening to my husband asking our patients, "What do YOU want to do?" in regards to their dental treatment.  He wasn't "selling", he was first informing (options) and then helping them achieve their goals.  Nice.

Many of our patients in the beginning had *never* been to a dentist.  Many were missing FRONT teeth.  They told us they never smiled any more; always had their hands over their mouth.  These same people BEAMED when they had their new teeth and hugged us as they left; they couldn't stop smiling.  I wasn't selling.  I was giving people what they wanted and felt very good about it.  I needed this extreme to realize that I can offer goods and services and be successful without pressuring, without "selling".
Now I venture into direct sales; multi-level marketing even.  I'm "supposed to be" selling the millionaire dollar dream, selling to and recruiting everyone who will listen, and talking louder to those that aren't listening yet, right?  Not if I want loyal, long-term customers.  Not if I want a team of consultants who will still be around in a few months.  Not in my stubborn opinion... So I'm taking it slower---not pushing; just sharing my information, listening to what others want and enjoying the process (meeting some wonderful people that I wouldn't have otherwise). 

Like you, I hope. 

What are your thoughts on selling?

~~carleen