And 'Profession sale' an oxymoron?

When you hear someone say: "Joe is rather a type of sale," which usually is not meant as a compliment. Sales professionals have even been described as shady in cartoons for children. They are generally saying that Joe is a fast-talking, glad-delivery person who can make you want something you've needed so far, and find no need for once you have one of each of the items he is selling.

If you are in sales, you have probably heard these before:

Q: "How can you tell a sales person is lying?"

A: "His lips are moving."

Q: "Why do lawyers like sales people?"

A: "give them someone to look down."

Unfortunately, the term sales professional is often seen as an oxymoron, in much the same manner as plastic silverware, accurate predictions, or housing in the DC metropolitan area.

For the sake of complete honesty, many of our predecessors, and some of our contemporaries, they earned less than this reputation for our profession. You know who you are, especially if you just felt the need to stop reading. For reasons of fairness, however, each profession has its bad apples. Would you like to deal with the IRS backed with Enron accountants? Or how about watching your surgeon to see that he is one of those doctors weight loss infomercial? An entire profession should not be judged by the behavior of a small minority.

The next time I meet a sales person, ask them about their thoughts on '"Ethics Triad". The Triad ethics is something that all professionals should have, and the seller is no exception. True sales professionals subscribe consciously or unconsciously to the Ethics Triad - rooted in the trio of issues of "legal?" "And 'morality?" "Is it ethical?"

And 'legal? The actions you are considering, or the recommendation is being made in accordance with the laws of your community, your country and the policies of your company? If there is any doubt in your mind, then you owe it to yourself, your company and your customers to review what you're doing with the leadership or the Council's legal.

And 'morality? It is what you are doing is fair to all parties involved? It is said that a person's character is measured by what they do when nobody is watching. In the light of day, you are pursuing a course of action you would be proud to have broadcast on the evening news in your town?

And 'ethics? The ethics of the medical profession are rooted in three simple words, but powerful: do no harm. The ethics of the profession of sales can be rooted in three words as simple and powerful: to serve the customer. True sales professionals seeking to achieve its objectives, helping its customers achieve their goals. Subordinating their needs to the needs of the customer, the sales professional demonstrates its commitment to service, and is inoculated against the twin demons of temptation and greed.

The most valuable asset sales staff is its reputation in the market. Focusing on the customer, keeping the ethics triad in mind, and build a relationship with the customer, you will earn the reputation of being worthy of trust, honesty, integrity, and commitment to service. These are the pillars upon which your professional reputation-think about it .......