I'm a sell out
So I finally sold out. The week before last I was on a date with a really beautiful, intelligent woman and she asked me exactly what my job was – and I wavered.
Up until now I have been adamant that I will always describe my job as “sales” rather than any euphemism designed to artificially glamourise or obscure my role. I think this is important because using a euphemism implies that there is some shame in being a sales person. Take a read of my post on that here.
Well, anyway, I sold out and described myself as “in business development. I go out there and make the deals happen.” or some such other sickening line! So forgive me fellow sellers. I hope you will still see me as one of you! Anyway, it must have worked, as I have another date with her next week :-)
1 comments:
Ed,
for what it's worth I don't think its selling out when you use a so called "Euphimism" like business developme or Consultant etc. It is a fact of modern day business and life that there is much ignorance not to mention negative connotations surrounding the term "Sales Person". And by the way the negativity also resides not just in the culture but also with the Sales Persons consciousness!
However, when you reposition or reframe the terms by importing the word Business Development or Advisor without pretending that you are not selling then it helps prevent barriers being errected on your own and other peoples minds.
If we always understand that being is sales is not about re-educating the general culture but building business relationships then perhaps the term Business Development is a more accurate and precise way of describing what people like you and me really do to others...and to ourselves!
Great Blog keep it up.
regard
Paul
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