The art of selling has undergone several transformations over the years. But amidst the changing techniques and tools, the core essence of sales remains constant—service. Drawing inspiration from The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, I’ve come to appreciate that service isn’t just a phase in the sales process; it’s a continuous commitment, deeply rooted in empathy, care, and genuine intent.
As I emphasize in my teachings, the SERVICE stage of the IDEAS Sales System isn’t merely the endpoint of a transaction. Rather, it’s an overarching philosophy that permeates every interaction with the customer. From the first hello to the post-sales engagement, service should resonate.
A Continuous Commitment to Serve
Sales isn’t just about the product or service being offered; it’s about the experience. Recognizing the customer’s needs and offering precise, meaningful solutions turns one-time buyers into lifelong allies. A customer remembers not just what you sold them but how you made them feel. It’s about:
- Introducing with sincerity.
- Discovering through active listening.
- Evaluating the customer’s genuine needs.
- Adapting presentations to suit individual needs.
- Serving with commitment, ensuring customer satisfaction and continual assistance.
Closing the Sale: The Ultimate Act of Service
This perspective transforms closing a sale. It’s not merely finalizing a transaction; it’s initiating a lifelong commitment to help. Every closed deal should feel like the beginning of a new journey of service.
Jesus’ Earthly Service: A Timeless Model for Salespeople
When reflecting on lives dedicated to service, Jesus stands out. His earthly journey was marked by acts of unwavering love, empathy, and humility. For salespeople, there are valuable lessons to learn. Every interaction Jesus had was rooted in:
- Empathy: Understanding the needs and pains of others.
- Humility: Serving without expecting anything in return.
- Inclusivity: Welcoming all without discrimination.
- Guidance: Leading the way with wisdom.
- Integrity: Upholding honesty and sincerity.
Drawing parallels, the Triad of Belief emphasizes the importance of:
- Belief in your industry (Jesus’ was the Kingdom of God)
- Belief in your product or service (For Jesus, it was Salvation)
- And most vitally, belief in oneself.
Jesus’ faith in His mission was unwavering, even with the trials and struggles he faced. His life serves as an inspiration for salespeople. Through self-belief and genuine dedication, we can transfer our conviction to our customers.
A Commitment Beyond the Product
Just as Jesus’ commitment to Salvation led Him to the ultimate sacrifice, our sales journey should be marked by a commitment to service beyond the product. Serving doesn’t end after the transaction. Like Jesus, we need to nurture relationships, guide with integrity, and strive to better the lives of those we engage with.
As I’ve come to realize, and as I emphasize in The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, the SERVICE stage is about more than transactions. It’s about forging lasting bonds, fostering trust, and genuinely making a difference. By championing service, we not only pay homage to the lessons Jesus left behind but also uplift our profession, moving it from mere transactional engagements to transformative relationships.
To deepen these insights and truly embody the spirit of service, I invite you to explore The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service. And for those keen on personal growth, Closer Classes offers specialized training, coaching, and life coaching, focused on developing your innate ability to serve with sincerity.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary:
Sales isn’t just about transactions but is deeply rooted in continuous service and genuine intent. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ earthly journey, salespeople can learn the importance of empathy, humility, and unwavering commitment, ensuring lasting bonds and genuine transformation in every engagement.
