Networking is a great way to meet new people. I was, quite frankly, caught off guard when the first question a new acquaintance asked me was, “What are you “best” at?” Great question! Realizing I didn’t have a ready answer, I pondered before answering. What I initially responded had nothing to do with business or sales, or so I thought.
I replied that I’m “best” at seeing the good that God has knitted into others. I’m able to recognize their gifts, talents, abilities, and the character traits that make them unique. Once identified, I enjoy recognizing and affirming their abilities out loud, so that they feel seen, heard and understood. We both benefit because meaningful connections are created through that exchange that establishes meaningful common ground.
Similarly, as a sales coach, I’m adept at helping people see from a different perspective, especially when it comes to selling. Why is that important? Because too many people believe that sales is somehow “dirty” and money is evil. We’ve been brain-washed that people who make lots of money are, somehow, bad. That creates an inherent conflict that undermines success.
Money is not evil. To the contrary. It is a necessary tool. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says, “17 You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand has made me this wealth.’ 18 Rather you are to remember Adonai your God, for it is He who gives you power to make wealth, in order to establish His covenant that He swore to your fathers—as it is this day. (Tree of Life Bible). To repeat the main point: The Lord gives us the power to make wealth so that His covenant can be established. If it is HE who enables us to gain wealth, and the ultimate purpose of that wealth is to fulfill his covenant promises, that’s a whole new perspective on money/sales/success.
When we have a right relationship with money, (when we control what it does for us) it funds companies, employees, families and missions to the glory and honor of God. But when money controls us, all kinds of evil can result. Money is a tool given for our use. It is capable of helping us do great and horrible things. Businesses can only help customers and employees by staying in business. Sales drive the profit engine, therefore having a systematic sales approach that honors both God and man (people) is critical.
What are you best at? What do you deliver to your customers that others can’t because they are not you?
When you know your strengths you can utilize them to connect with people more effectively and more quickly. And that opens doors to more sales.