The world of sales is often seen as transactional, a game of numbers where the goal is to close deals and generate revenue. But what if we could learn from an ancient master who practiced the art of transformative salesmanship? I’m not talking about a guru from a bygone era of business. I’m referring to Jesus, a figure who transcends religion, time, and culture. Yes, you read that correctly. This isn’t a casual comparison but a concept elaborated in my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service.
To start with, let’s address the elephant in the room. Describing Jesus as the epitome of salesmanship isn’t meant to belittle his divine essence. Instead, it’s an acknowledgment of his unparalleled effectiveness in conveying a message that changed the world. His proclamation, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV), is a testament to the magnetic power of his approach.
The Aligning Principle: Sell to Help
Jesus’ mission was rooted deeply in the philosophy of service, resonating remarkably well with the ‘sell to help’ approach I advocate for in my coaching and training. He wasn’t selling a product; he was offering a transformative solution to humanity’s deepest needs. He recognized the profound spiritual needs of people and addressed them at a core level. His invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV), was not an offer for a quick fix but a genuine response to deep-seated human desires.
This service-over-sales philosophy matches perfectly with the IDEAS Sales System that I teach. When you prioritize helping over merely selling, you’re not just clinching deals; you’re making a difference.
Relational Over Transactional
Modern sales often make the mistake of being too transactional, focusing on quotas and revenue. Jesus’ approach, in contrast, was relational. His interactions were characterized by authentic engagement, empathy, and compassion. His 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), exemplifies this. Genuine engagement builds unparalleled trust. It creates a relational atmosphere where customers feel valued, not just a part of a business transaction.
Sales as a Vehicle for Transformation
Jesus’ message was far from a commodity; it was an answer to humanity’s deepest problem: sin and estrangement from God. He declared, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV). Sales, too, can be more than transactions; they can be transformative experiences. Using your product or service to solve a genuine problem for your client aligns you with this philosophy.
I always teach about the Triad of Belief, which consists of believing in your industry, your company, and most importantly, yourself. Jesus exemplified this by not only believing in his divine mission but also in the potential goodness within humanity. When you believe deeply, you transmit that conviction to your customers. After all, your customer wants to buy; he needs you to help him believe.
From Profits to Purpose
A salesperson imbued with the purpose and methods exemplified by Jesus is not only more successful but also leaves a lasting impact that resonates with the age-old wisdom of this ancient master. For salespeople who want more than just profits, who aim for a profound impact, taking a leaf out of Jesus’ book can be life-changing. If you find these principles compelling, my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, elaborates on them in much greater depth.
On a personal note, I’ve found that my own faith journey isn’t without struggles. But there’s strength in acknowledging our imperfections and striving to be better each day. That’s why I encourage not just sales coaching but also life coaching. If you’re looking for a transformative shift in your sales approach and life, consider one-on-one coaching at Closer Classes.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary
This article delves into the transformative power of selling when it’s rooted in service, modeled after Jesus’ approach to life-changing interactions. It explores how authentic, purpose-driven sales can create lasting impact, offering a fulfilling path for modern salespeople.
