There’s a remarkable episode in Jesus’ life, one that’s well-documented and heartwarming, where He teaches a profound lesson not just in spirituality, but also in the art of adaptability. Adaptability, as any seasoned salesperson would tell you, is a cornerstone of success in any selling endeavor. To draw parallels from Jesus’ teachings to the sales field may seem unconventional, but I found such an inspiration in my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service.
Consider the incident where children were being brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray. The disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting the dignity of their master or perhaps thinking these children were too insignificant for Jesus’ time, rebuked those who were bringing them. But Jesus’ reaction was unexpected. He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 ESV). With this simple but profound statement, Jesus was teaching a lesson in humility, adaptability, and genuine connection.
Firstly, it’s worth noting the context. Children in the ancient world did not hold the same status they do in many societies today. Yet, Jesus adapted His approach, connecting with them on their level. Instead of turning them away or offering a complex theological discussion, He met them with open arms, with love and acceptance. This, in its essence, is adaptability at its finest.
This incident is a perfect demonstration of the ‘ADAPTING’ principle from the IDEAS Sales System, where the key is to tailor the presentation so it’s most valuable to the person. Here, Jesus wasn’t “selling” a message or doctrine in the conventional sense. But He was sharing the love, grace, and acceptance of His kingdom. And He adapted His method to suit the innocence and simplicity of children.
From a sales perspective, the lesson is clear. Simplicity and genuine care in communication matter. In my experiences in sales coaching and training, I’ve observed that professionals often feel compelled to provide exhaustive details about their products or services. But sometimes, a genuine, simple interaction creates a deeper impression. A potential customer might not remember every feature of a product, but they will certainly remember how a salesperson made them feel. Just as Jesus made those children feel valued and loved, salespeople have the opportunity to make their customers feel understood and valued.
Such adaptability stems from a deeper belief system. Drawing from the Triad of Belief, successful selling is rooted in belief: belief in your industry, belief in your product, and belief in yourself. For Jesus, His ‘industry’ was the Kingdom of God, and His ‘product’ was Salvation. His belief in His mission and Himself, despite the very human challenges He faced, was unshakeable. By embodying these beliefs and adapting His methods accordingly, He could reach people from all walks of life, from scholars to fishermen, from the elderly to children.
There are moments in our life when we feel the call to adapt, not for personal gain, but to genuinely serve another. This is the heart of sales, as I often emphasize: selling is serving. It’s about helping the customer believe, to see the value, and to make informed choices. And if there’s one thing that the story of Jesus and the children teaches us, it’s the immense power of simplicity and authenticity in creating connections.
If you’re intrigued by these parallels between Jesus’ teachings and the world of sales, I invite you to delve deeper into The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service. Let the life and lessons of Jesus inspire and elevate your sales journey.
As you continue your journey in sales or any endeavor, remember that growth often comes from external sources. Whether it’s a guiding hand or an external perspective, don’t hesitate to seek it. For those keen on honing their skills and tapping into a reservoir of experience, consider the one-on-one Training, Coaching, and Life Coaching at Closer Classes.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary
Jesus’ genuine interaction with children demonstrates the power of adaptability and simplicity. This article explores the profound sales lessons from this biblical account, emphasizing authentic connection and service.
