The art of selling is an intricate dance between understanding a customer’s needs and presenting a solution that best addresses them. It isn’t just about pushing a product or service; it’s about understanding the deeper layers beneath the surface. In the world of sales, we’re always on the lookout for frameworks and strategies to enhance our skills. Yet, sometimes, inspiration comes from places we might least expect. The story of Jesus, revered as a spiritual leader by billions, presents intriguing insights into the realm of selling. His interactions with people during His time on earth can teach us invaluable lessons about understanding our clients deeply and offering solutions tailored to their needs.
Drawing a parallel between selling and Jesus’ approach might seem unusual at first glance. But if we look at Jesus’ mission of spreading the message of the Kingdom of God and offering the gift of salvation, we can view Him as someone deeply committed to the cause. He was unwavering in His belief in the “industry” of the Kingdom of God, His “product” of salvation, and Himself. Just as Jesus’ mission was to transfer these beliefs to humanity, a salesperson’s goal is to transfer the Triad of Belief to the customer: belief in the industry, belief in the product or service, and belief in oneself. Given the vast number of people who became followers of Jesus and continue to do so, it isn’t far-fetched to deem Him a master at what He did.
Delving into the IDEAS Sales System, a revolutionary framework for selling, the “EVALUATING” phase resonates profoundly with Jesus’ method of interaction. The foundation of this phase lies in understanding, internalizing, and acting on the information received from the client.
One cannot discuss Jesus’ evaluative approach without highlighting His impeccable listening skills. His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, detailed in the Gospel of John, provides a vivid example. Their conversation began simply—with a request for water. But as the dialogue deepened, Jesus demonstrated His ability to listen intently and probe further, identifying not just her physical thirst but also her spiritual yearning. He responded to her deeper needs, guiding the conversation towards her personal life and, ultimately, leading her to recognize Him as the Messiah. His words to the woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14, ESV), were not rehearsed lines but emerged from his understanding of her innermost desires.
Such discernment is a gold standard for salespeople today. Instead of approaching customers with a predetermined script, one should strive to understand their deeper needs, desires, and aspirations. Asking insightful questions, displaying genuine curiosity, and practicing extreme active listening, as embodied in the “DISCOVERING” and “EVALUATING” phases of the IDEAS system, can create a human connection that transcends mere transaction.
When salespeople adopt this approach, they’re not just selling a product or service. They’re addressing the deeper needs of their clients, much like Jesus did. It’s about understanding that selling, at its core, is serving the client. This perspective aligns with the core principle that recognizes selling as a means to help the customer.
Now, while the lessons derived from Jesus’ approach are timeless, it’s essential to also have structured systems in place. The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service is a resource that dives deeper into these parallels, offering readers a fresh perspective on sales inspired by Jesus’ life and teachings.
For those looking to refine their sales techniques further, enhance their skills, or even embark on a personal growth journey, there’s a world of tailored guidance available. With specialized training, coaching, and life coaching at Closer Classes, individuals can learn to master the art of selling, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including the life and teachings of Jesus.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary:
The art of selling is not just about pushing a product but understanding the deeper layers of a client’s needs. Jesus’ interactions with people provide invaluable lessons in understanding clients deeply, listening intently, and offering tailored solutions. By adopting Jesus’ evaluative approach and combining it with modern sales techniques, salespeople can foster genuine connections with clients and offer solutions that resonate deeply with their needs.
