Pre-Programmed for Sales

"Dad, come check out my store!" And there it was, a "store" of sorts set up on the side of the road. Small toys, bits of Legos and other junk with price tags torn from a sheet of paper. My eight-year old son was out selling. Not too surprising considering he set up his first store a few years before. The kid will sell when he grows up or (gag) be a politician. Fact is his habits are locked in early and won't change. What habits have you carried from childhood into adulthood? More than you think, pal.

Don't believe me? Then check out the article: Personality Set For Life by First Grade You will see that scientists have discovered that there are for traits programmed into your noggin by first grade: "talkativeness (verbal fluency), the ability to cope well with new situations, impulsiveness and self-minimizing behavior."

How much or how little or how much of each trait you have, will determine how you behave--actually who you are in adulthood. And you wonder why I wrote a book called "You Sell Like a Second Grader?"

Scientists may have identified four traits that blanket all behavior, but what you need to be concerned with is the nastiest grade-school ideal you carry with you today: "I"  Why else would we live in a society with "iReport", "YouTube", "iPads", pods, and phones and instant fame. I like to call it the "iSociety". All because of the selfishness you have carried from second, even first grade.

Think my son was trying to help people out by selling? Heck no! He wanted money! And when people drove by without stopping he yelled at them! Of course you would never put your needs before your prospect. No, not you! Do me a favor...check some of your latest "cold call" emails to prospects. Bet they look a lot like this:

"Dear Chad,

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. [author note: bull crap!]

Just a short note to check if you had a chance to review my last email. [no, really?]

I would appreciate if you could suggest a date and time for a 15 min telephonic conversation in the next week. [you would appreciate it? so I can help you sell something?]

We are keen and enthusiastic to work with you and your organization and we shall look forward to hearing from you." [bet you are, kiddo, bet you are]

What does that have to do with me? Nothing! What does it have to do with him? Everything! Bet he wonders why he doesn't get more sales? Because he sells like a selfish second-grader, that's why. Want more examples of crappy and cool cold calls? Just click here and download them with my comments.

Oh, and one other thing: my dad can beat up your dad! :-)

Comments

[Dave McMinn]

Please, please tell me he didn't actually use the word "telephonic."

[You Sell Like a Second Grader]

Telephnic...indeed.