Sometimes I get self-conscious about telling people I'm in sales because it can have a slimy reputation. Does anyone else feel that way?

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Sales is one of the most moral jobs out there. The whole purpose is to help others by giving them products and services that better their lives.

The "slimy" notation only happens when a sales person betrays their responsibility and pushes something for their benefit.

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Well said

I used to, but decided to own it. People that know me, know I’m not “slimy” and if anyone says anything about it I tell them that only good sales people have any sort of staying power and bad ones wash out quickly.

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I guess that depends if you are slimy? I am a broker so even worse reputation, but I know I provide customers a huge value and my services should be sought after not looked at as slimy. Build the reputation YOU want to have, not the dumb prejudices of people you probably don't even care about.

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I used to as well. Here’s the thing... it has that stigma because of slimy sales people. It definitely creates an obstacle for sales people to work through, but if you just get real with your client, they respect it.

Also, you have to remember, the people who gave sales people that stigma are probably leaning into their “Karen”. They have the loudest voice in the room. For every slimy sales person, there’s a super loud Karen out there.

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Sales is critical to driving the economy and/or any company. No point having a product that can’t be sold. It’s the tip of the spear for the survival of any company, no matter what the industry is. It’s a job that has nothing but a deep sense of pride instilled in it.

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Don't get too worried about this. Sure like all others have mentioned sales gets a slimy reputation because people hate being sold. (Ex. Comcast just tried to upsell me on some tv packages, no thanks).

Instead, view your role more as an information expert. You know how customers are deploying your product or service in the field and you are technically free consulting for your prospects.

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I understand where you’re coming from. Here’s what we have to recognize: 1. Everyone is in sales (you sell yourself with a resume to a job, convince someone why they should marry you, etc) 2. Know that the reputation of sales can be clouded by manipulative and immoral people (and this goes for every industry and job type, their is always bad people) 3. Knowing #2 don’t be that person (only push the sales process if they are a fit; read “The win-without pitching manifesto”) 4. Lead by example and be apart of the movement that changes the lens of people that think sales people are “slimy” ...hope this helps

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I’m in insurance and sort of sales, hold your head up high friend, people don’t know what they’re missing unless the mighty sales men and women of the world aren’t out there providing said information or products in sales pitches

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Nothing happens before the sale! It’s the most important roll in a company. Embrace it.

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You may read this book The Psychology of Selling By Brian Tracy, tis will help you understand and change the mindset of sales advisor roll from negative to a helpful positive one. Hope you enjoy the book and good luck selling. 👍🏻

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It has been difficult trying to bridge the gap between being your stereotypical, fast-talking D2D MLM knife salesman and a strategic advisor for senior leadership at companies - just have to own it and act in a way that's respectable!

I am in healthcare sales. The medical field uses “marketing” rather than “sales”. Anyone that knows me understands what I do, and I really don’t care that others don’t. Life’s too short.

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I used to feel that way sometimes when I chose not to be in management anymore and go back to sales. I sell an excellent product and my job is to see whether or not it is a fit for the customer.

Sometimes but as long as you keep your name in a positive light everything works out

When recruiting I always got the mortified look from college kids when I asked- “are you interested in sales?”
So I started prefacing it with how many sales people do you interact with on a monthly basis- typically I get “zero” or “none of I can help it”, then I tell them they’re wrong…
Your doctor is a salesman, your dentist, the guy or gal your dating is “selling”, the restaurant you frequent is selling you, the gas station you go to is selling you. Get passed the used car/cutco/door to door personification of “salesman” and realize everyone is selling something, whether it’s a good, a service, a relationship etc.
It’s a perspective thing- for you and your customer… whoever that is ….

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