Preface: I’ve been introduced to Daniel Schmidt by my friend Don Mulhern. While I haven’t met Daniel, it’s fascinating to read his perspective on selling. Like so many other participants, Daniel didn’t set out to be in sales, but found himself selling. There are words Daniel uses in his story which are common to my own experience and what so many other participants in this series say, “solving problems……energizing….passion….imagining possibilities…..personal growth…..fun!”
As Daniel describes, every day, every situation, every customer is different. Figuring out each situation and contributing to customers achieving great business outcomes is what excites most high performing sellers.
Thanks for you contribution, Daniel!
Why I’m So Interested In Selling
I have been in a dedicated sales role for about ten years and have worked as part of a sales team for the past 26 years. Even before I transitioned into a quota carrying, dedicated sales role, I loved being part of the sales process. As a degreed engineer, I had some hesitation about jumping into sales. However, a leader who I have great respect for was confident that I would be successful, and he assured me that he would coach me through the transition.
Once I made the transition, my passion for the sales process has grown even stronger. First, being in sales allows me to analyze and solve problems for people every day. I find it energizing to sit across the table from an executive and hear the details of a business process that needs to be improved or the details of a business outcome that needs to be achieved.
As I listen, my mind immediately starts to process the possibility of the solutions offered by my company providing those improvements or contributing to achieving that outcome. There is no better feeling in sales than seeing the perfect fit between the needs of a growing business and the solutions I can provide through the sales process. Being in sales allows me to do this day after day, working with companies of all sizes and from all industries.
In addition to being energized by providing solutions to organizations hoping to grow, being in sales also gives access to people, facilities, and processes that most people do not get to experience. One day, I may be touring a production line of one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers while we discuss the needs they have in staying on the leading edge of that industry. The next day, I may be donning a set of white overalls, a hair net (even though I am bald) and walking through a globally known food processing facility, again, discussing their needs in keeping their production lines going during a major renovation project.
My job is fun!
That is why I love sales!!
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