The old cliche “no one likes to be sold but everyone likes to buy” is as true today as it was when it was first uttered.

Being sold conjures up certain negative images:

• The pushy car salesperson that gets their teeth into your neck and doesn’t let go.
• The telemarketer that hounds you until you say “yes.”
• The sales clerk that talks you into buying an item of clothing that quite frankly makes you look terrible.

And so on!

It’s no wonder that sales doesn’t have a good rep; those very situations more than ensure a negative impression of this proud profession.

So think about it. How do you sell?

You’re probably thinking to yourself right now that you would never be one of those ugly salespersons that I just referenced and sure that’s pretty awesome, but someone must be doing it or the old reputation would be gone by now.

So be honest:

• Have you ever talked your way into a sale knowing that the solution wasn’t just perfect for the client?
• How about being persistent to the point of being (almost) rude.
• How about suggesting a specific solution when you know that there is an alternative that might be even more cost effective?

Be honest now.

This type of selling will catch up with you, mark my words.

Your reputation will be ruined and in this era of social media and immediate viral spread of what went wrong, you can be sure others will learn of your ineptitude.

So, sell smart (honest, ethical, value-driven) because selling smart means more buyers want to buy.

(Do you know anyone that is executing their selling efforts in a less-than-smart manner?  Ask them to contact me for a free download of my book “The Blatant Truth: 50 Ways to Sales Success.”)