Have you ever considered the parallels between Jesus’ approach to spreading His message and the art of sales? The source of inspiration for successful sales isn’t always found in traditional sales books or seminars. Sometimes, it’s found in unlikely places, like the life and teachings of Jesus. Drawing from my book, “The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service“, let’s delve into one profound moment in the New Testament and discover its relevance in today’s sales landscape.
The Gospel of John provides a moment that’s rich in meaning for sales professionals. In Chapter 6, Jesus introduces a concept challenging for many of His followers: He refers to Himself as the “bread of life.” For some, this was a leap too great. They couldn’t reconcile this spiritual framing with their understanding. Faced with confusion and dwindling numbers, Jesus posed a question to his twelve apostles: “Do you want to leave too?” (John 6:67, ESV).
This wasn’t a question born from insecurity. Instead, Jesus was prompting the apostles to evaluate their commitment, understand His mission, and decide their path. This self-reflection moment, instigated by a simple yet profound question, resonates strongly with the core principles of the “IDEAS Sales System”. For those unfamiliar, the IDEAS Sales System is a methodology I designed, emphasizing:
- Introducing the customer to the product or service.
- Discovering their needs through active listening.
- Evaluating what the customer truly wants.
- Adapting the pitch to fit the individual.
- Serving the customer’s needs above all else.
Positioned within the Discovering phase, Jesus’ question is reminiscent of a salesperson gauging a potential client’s readiness for change. It’s the essence of asking, “Are you prepared for this transformation?” or “Would you like to continue in your current situation?” Such questions aren’t about pushing a sale, but guiding a potential client toward clarity, enabling them to recognize their own needs.
If we view Jesus’ mission through the lens of the “Triad of Belief“, it becomes evident how His teachings align with these principles. The Triad revolves around belief:
- Belief in the industry. For Jesus, this was the Kingdom of God.
- Belief in the product. In His case, salvation.
- Belief in oneself. Even in His human form, facing the same challenges we do, Jesus’ belief in His mission never wavered.
For me, my faith is a journey. Like most, I grapple with doubts, sin, and the gap between who I am and who I strive to be. Yet, drawing parallels between Jesus’ mission and the sales realm has offered a unique lens through which to view my own beliefs and profession.
In modern sales, the role isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about understanding and serving the customer’s needs. Just as Jesus prompted His apostles to reflect upon their convictions, a salesperson should invite potential clients to recognize their needs. This approach not only fosters trust but also leads to more satisfying, long-lasting relationships.
It’s easy to view sales as a one-sided endeavor. However, successful sales are a collaboration, a journey embarked upon together by the seller and the buyer. And like Jesus, who saw beyond the surface to the heart of His apostles’ struggles, salespeople must see beyond immediate objections to comprehend the genuine needs of their customers.
Incorporating these teachings into our sales approach can result in transformative changes, both for the individual and the organizations they represent. If you’re curious to learn more about this unique perspective, I invite you to explore “The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service“.
And for those interested in going a step further, enhancing their sales technique, or seeking life coaching, I’d recommend checking out the offerings at Closer Classes. Together, we can delve deeper into these principles and discover how best to apply them in your personal and professional life.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary:
Drawing parallels between Jesus’ teachings and modern sales techniques, we uncover the power of self-reflection and commitment in guiding potential clients. Just as Jesus prompted the apostles to recognize their beliefs, salespeople can lead clients to understand their needs, fostering trust and long-lasting relationships. Incorporating these lessons can lead to transformative changes in sales and personal growth.
