What Seth Godin Taught Me about Selling

Seth Godin

Guest Post from Lois.

I hate selling. Don’t you?

I had to sell ice candy at my grandma’s sari sari store when I was a kid and it ruined me for life. I would cringe when anyone asked what flavor it was. I didn’t know how to make them buy it. And every time someone walked away without my ice candy, I felt so rejected! Selling sucks.

But more than 20 years later, here I am doing exactly that. It’s not ice candy this time, mind you. Let’s start at the beginning. Back in January 2011 I had quit my job, sold most of my stuff and embarked on a 6 month journey across India and Southeast Asia. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, without considering the financial repercussions. Fast forward to 6 months later, I was homeless, unemployed and not sure where the money was going to come from. So I employed myself. I googled a couple of companies and asked if they had a job for me. A leadership consultancy firm met with me and offered me a job. I managed to get a position as tadah: Project Manager. To say I was overjoyed is an understatement. I was ecstatic! I had a job to pay the bills and maybe even fund some future trips!

Until I realized what the job entails: Selling. I was back at the sari sari store selling ice candy again. Well, not exactly. I had to sell seats to events and make sure we reached our financial goals. Not the most exciting job in the world! But I happened to like what the company sold: Leadership and Motivational Trainings. I used to be a corporate trainer and I figured being exposed to some awesome speakers and attending a few seminars would not be so bad. A few weeks into the job, I read this quote from Seth Godin:

“It’s more important that you be passionate about what you do all day than it is to be passionate about the product that is being sold.”

I had to change my perspective. What did I do all day? I promoted events online and made sure the company got the exposure it needed. I sold products and services I actually liked! It was not so difficult because I actually liked what I did all day- going online, writing content and promoting through social media and I also liked the product being sold- leadership and empowerment events. Seth Godin was absolutely right about selling and passion!

Incidentally, Seth Godin is one of the speakers of GiANT Impact Leadercast along with John Maxwell, Suzy Welch and Frans Johansson. This event is on October 11, 2011 from 1PM-5PM at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Check out the full details here.

About the contributor:

Lois is a trainer by profession and a traveler by passion. This year, she quit her job and embarked on 6-month backpacking trip around India and across Southeast Asia. She is slowly realizing her dream of making a living by doing what she loves. She blogs at wearesolesisters.com and is currently working as a Project Manager for Inspire Leadership Consultancy.

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