Let’s talk about something that goes beyond just meeting your sales quotas for the month, something that might change your whole approach to business and life. You’re not in it just for the sales, right? Deep down, you want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Well, guess what? The age-old wisdom we find in the teachings of Jesus presents a refreshing way to look at the sales process. The link between the wisdom of Jesus and sales might not be immediately obvious, but as I explore in my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, you’ll see that it’s not just about pushing a product. It’s about serving the real needs of your customers, just as Jesus served.
When you adopt a service-first mindset, you’re not just making a transaction. You’re making a connection, forging a relationship that can last a lifetime. To paraphrase Matthew 20:28 (NIV): “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” When a customer senses your genuine focus on their needs rather than making a quick sale, something incredible happens: defenses drop, trust grows, and meaningful dialogues start taking place.
You see, a transaction ends the moment you make the sale. But a relationship? That’s something ongoing. It provides ongoing value for both you and the customer. In essence, your customer, treated with genuine care and understanding, isn’t just a revenue stream. They become an advocate for you, your product, and even your whole company. They become, in every sense, a partner on your life journey.
The IDEAS Sales System that I teach emphasizes this transformational approach. This framework guides you through five phases: Introducing, Discovering, Evaluating, Adapting, and Serving. These aren’t just steps to complete a transaction. No, they’re markers on a path to establish a meaningful relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual growth.
Jesus’ own words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, ESV), resonate deeply with the IDEAS Sales System. It’s not just about what you can extract from your customer, it’s about what you can provide. Whether it’s a solution to a problem, a path to a better future, or simply a compassionate listening ear, what you give often circles back in the form of trust, respect, and future business.
Another foundation I build upon is the Triad of Belief. This threefold principle emphasizes belief in your industry, your product, and yourself. With these pillars, you can transfer that belief to your customer. Your customer wants to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
To circle back to biblical wisdom, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, ESV). You must first believe before transferring that belief to your customers. If you’re struggling with belief, take some time to address those doubts. I know how that feels. I struggle too, just like most people. Life, faith, and even sales have their ups and downs. But in acknowledging our struggles, we can seek solutions and come out stronger.
While my book, The Master Salesman: Jesus and the Art of Service, delves into these principles in greater detail, the essence remains: In serving others, we serve ourselves. It transforms the sales process from a chore into a rewarding journey of authentic human connection.
Near the end of your sales journey, you may realize that being the best in sales doesn’t mean you have to be the best talker, but rather the best listener. There’s a world of difference between a pushy salesman and a trusted advisor. You can take the principles laid out here and apply them directly to your career. If you find yourself wanting more, consider enrolling in one-on-one training, coaching, and life coaching at Closer Classes. Not as another checkbox to tick off, but as an investment in becoming the person you want to be.
The customer is ready to buy. He needs you to help him believe.
Article Summary
The essence of sales isn’t merely about transactions but about building lasting relationships. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus and the IDEAS Sales System, this article explores how adopting a service-first mindset can turn the sales process into a rewarding journey of human connection.
