Currently I am reading, “Retail Selling Ain’t Brain Surgery, It’s Twice as Hard”. 
How could that be?  Well the author, James E. Dion, says that while brain surgery is a very complex and honorable profession, once mastered, there is very little difference in human physiology. “If you have seen one brain, you have seen most all brains.” 

He goes on to say that retail sales is also a very complex and honorable profession but often twice as hard, as you are faced with a completely different personality and set of challenges with each customer you meet. (I think selling mattresses can be even more challenging than many other retail products.)

While I understand the point Dion is trying to make, I would say what is at stake should be factored in.  I have a tough time putting “closing a sale” on par with “removing a brain tumor”.   Having said that, I do agree with his statement,  “Retail selling is one of the most rewarding professions there is. There are not too many jobs that provide a person with a pleasant work environment and the opportunity to make hundreds of people happy every day.”   Hundreds?  That’s what I call traffic!  (But his point is valid.)

Do you consider your job to be a profession?  Those that do seem to prosper.  Over the years, I have met and worked with a great variety of sales associates.  Many are true career professionals, many others just want to make some money for the short term and go on to another career.  And many others fall somewhere in between.

Wherever you are in that continuum, I urge you to approach your job as a professional, because the human relations skills you learn can make you more money and  benefit you in many ways for the rest of your life, both professionally and personally.
 
A characteristic of professionals is that they regularly invest time learning and improving their knowledge and skills through a variety of means.  They think of sales training as a life long process.

If you are reading this, more than likely you are aware of the “90 Minutes with Gerry” seminars I am conducting across North America.  (It’s the first thing you see on the website.)  I did my first seminar in Dallas last month and in all honesty was a little concerned that I would be teaching the hotel staff how to sell mattresses.  But guess what?  The response was so great we added a second seminar!

The audiences consisted of new and veteran associates as well as trainers, regional managers, a bedding buyer, a VP of a major sleep store chain and even a manufacturer’s rep.  It is a humbling experience standing before an audience of people that could teach me how to sell.  But again, true professionals are not only open to new information – they also seek it out. 

I hope that if you live in or near one of the cities where I will be holding seminars over the next several months, you will mark your calendar to attend.  IT’S FREE… WITH NO SALES PITCH!  (We are so nice.)   I share many insightful ideas that have helped thousands of professionals around the world, just like you.

I look forward to meeting you in person at a seminar near you!

Successful Selling!

Gerry