Talking to an expert in sales was not my “thing”.  In fact, if someone tried to sell me on a product before establishing a relationship of some kind my ears would close off automatically, as if it were a preconditioned response.  Well…perhaps it was preconditioned.

I’ve come to understand that unless a person speaks from their heart about themselves and/or the ‘why’ behind what they are selling, they may know little about increasing the lives of others with intention.  All too often we’re so busy trying to make a living selling a product that we forget to ask whether it will bring increase into the person’s life or not.

Pillar Eight:

All Life Is Sales – The Power of Persuasion & Influence is talent and virtue

In the Twelve Pillars, written by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener, they refer to Sales as being ‘all of life’.

Sales is influence, nothing more, nothing less.  Rohn and Widener say that in order to influence others you must become a person of talent and virtue.

So how do you do that?

Lets first understand that talents are your gifts and virtue is your character.

The definition for Talent is; special natural ability or aptitude: as in a talent for drawing as an example.

The definition of Virtue is; moral excellence; goodness; righteousness, moral and ethical principles: as in choosing high integrity for instance

As we grow – we hone our skills, we create more opportunities for ourselves by sharing what we learn, but amidst all of it – others look to us for guidance or recommendations.  This is the power of influence.

You were born to influence!

Have you ever noticed how much influence we have over our parents as babies?  When we want something that we can’t have we cry and throw a fit until someone gives in.  Our parents have options of course, and if they are wise they will resist the temptation, or simply reason out that whatever it is we are asking for would bring increase into our lives.

The dramatic exchange of sales in our infant years is what teaches us the power of influence; crying loudly, or long enough, that mom and dad eventually give in.  Little Johnny wants a new bike.  Sold.  Teenage boy meets teenage girl and wants to take her to the prom.  Sold.  Going to college and needs a new car. (cha-ching!) Sold.

Wouldn’t you agree that we are born to influence one another right from the beginning of time?  How you use that influence will determine your success. Will you decide to work harder on yourself than you do on your job?  Will you work on your skills and character long enough to find out where they can take you or will you allow the fear of success to drown out those thoughts?

Take the 30 second VPA quiz

If you were flying in a hot air balloon looking down at yourself, what do you see yourself doing?  Who would  you be connecting to?  Who are you influencing?

This quiz can give you a vision of what you may be called to do, or what you might want to be doing with your life, and wouldn’t now be a GREAT time to see it? I’ll leave you with this thought:

• V = clear VISION of what you are called to do or desire to do most in life – no one else can tell you what that is
• P = the POWER to believe God has already provided you with the strength you need to accomplish it – imagine the possibilities
• A = with inspiration to take ACTION you can do it one step at a time – no matter how big or small – you can accomplish

Education is vital to your success in every day life but truly it’s all in the heart connections of your VPA (Vision~Power~Action) that can move you forward in business, in relationships and in life.  If you want to hear more on how you can understand this message read here.  If  you have time to read more of the precious 7 pillars they are listed below, and as always, I invite you to comment and share if this post serves you. When you share it this might also serve others.   Abundant Blessings my friend.

PILLAR ONE

PILLAR TWO

PILLAR THREE

PILLAR FOUR

PILLAR FIVE

PILLAR SIX

PILLAR SEVEN