Sales

Thursday, 02. October 2008 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Life is a series of sales calls. Every day at work and in social settings, people – especially leaders – sell themselves.  So it is wise for a leader to consider how well they are “selling” themselves on a daily basis.

One needs to consider how they are selling themselves on a daily basis because most sales transactions are not made in the first contact.  Multiple contacts are needed.  Thus, not only first impressions, but a leader’s multiple impressions – over time – are what provide lasting value.

** President Lyndon Johnson had the following list of behaviors that he wanted his life to reflect as he “sold” himself to the nation – and sought success both personally, and in his Presidency.

In his own words, here are JBJ’s rules:
1) Remember names.
2) Be comfortable. Be an old-shoe kind of an individual.
3) Acquire the quality of relaxed easygoing, so that things do not ruffle you.
4) Don’t be egotistical.
5) Cultivate the quality of being interesting.
6) Study to get the “scratchy” elements out of your personality.
7) Sincerely attempt to heal every misunderstanding you have had or now have.
8) Practice liking people until you learn to do so genuinely.
9) Never miss an opportunity to say a word of congratulations.
10) Give spiritual strength to people, and they will give genuine affection to you.