In the business of sales, the art of persuasion can often overshadow the essence of genuine service. However, it’s time we shift our focus and learn from one of the most impactful figures in human history—Jesus. Inspired by my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, this article aims to help you understand the transformative power of adopting a service-oriented approach in sales and life.
Jesus’ mission was deeply rooted in service, serving as an epitome of the “sell to help” philosophy that transcends mere transactions and focuses on genuinely helping others. His approach to spreading the message of salvation was not to hawk a product but to offer a transformative solution to humanity’s most profound needs. This perspective aligns flawlessly with the core principles that guide my approach to coaching and sales training.
In the broader scope of life, Jesus had an uncanny ability to recognize the profound spiritual needs of those around him. He wasn’t just fulfilling temporary wants; he tapped into the deeper spiritual yearnings that reside within the human soul. Jesus’ famous invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV), resonates deeply because it speaks to these innermost desires. Now, imagine applying this level of insight to your sales approach. Imagine identifying the latent needs of your customers and fulfilling them in a way that changes their lives. That’s what service-oriented sales are all about.
We can take another lesson from Jesus’ approach to offering salvation. He didn’t present it as a commodity. Rather, he framed it as the answer to humanity’s age-old problem of sin and estrangement from God. His words, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV), remind us that the core of sales should be centered on providing transformative solutions, not merely promoting product features. This harmonizes seamlessly with the IDEAS Sales System, a method that champions Introducing, Discovering, Evaluating, Adapting, and Serving to guide the sales process. This strategy isn’t about hurrying to the end of a sales funnel but engaging in meaningful relationships that are founded on the value offered.
Jesus’ way of building connections wasn’t superficial. His interactions were marked by authenticity, empathy, and compassion. He issued a straightforward command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). Authenticity and genuine engagement build unparalleled trust, an essential lesson for anyone in sales or a profession centered around human interaction. In line with this, the Triad of Belief postulates that effective sales are founded on three pillars: belief in your industry, belief in your product or service, and belief in yourself. The goal is to transfer this belief to your customer, creating a virtuous cycle of trust and commitment.
At this juncture, it’s hard not to recommend delving deeper into these principles. The wisdom you could gain from The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service could be a life-altering investment in your personal and professional growth. It takes the principles discussed here and expands on them, offering a guide for applying these timeless teachings to modern sales practices.
However, like most people, I too struggle with faith and the daily trials of being the person I want to be. Yet, it’s precisely these struggles that keep me rooted and constantly seeking to improve, both in my faith and my profession.
If you find the need to deepen your skills and understanding in sales, or perhaps in navigating the challenges of life itself, consider specialized one-on-one training, coaching, and life coaching at Closer Classes. More than a course, this is an opportunity for personal and professional transformation that equips you with the tools to excel.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary
The article elucidates the power of a service-oriented approach in sales, drawing inspiration from Jesus’ mission and teachings. It also integrates frameworks like the IDEAS Sales System and the Triad of Belief to offer a comprehensive understanding of effective sales strategies centered on genuine help and relationship-building.
