U.S. President delivers the while standing in front of President of the Senate and Speaker of the House . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Are You Selling?

Last night was President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address. Whether you like him or don’t like him, he was selling his heart out. He was selling the American people on the direction that he thinks the United States of America should be moving. You may have bought his sales pitch, or it may have fallen flat to you. That’s not my point. He was selling. From the phone messages offering you a way to start earning $5,000 per day leaving voice mails to the President of the United States, everyone is selling something.

Selling is the Basis for Our Economy

Selling is not a bad thing, unless, of course, the salesperson means to swindle and trick people out of their money. We live in a capitalist economy, no matter what your political beliefs are. Capitalism requires businesses to perform at top levels, increase profits, pay their employees and pay their taxes. Yes, I said it. The root of all taxpaying comes from salespeople who generate revenues, who generate profits, which our government taxes and creates revenues for government. Without selling, the light bill doesn’t get paid, the taxes don’t get paid, and nothing moves forward. Nothing.

Are You Selling Failure or Success? Problems or Solutions?

Some people are selling wealth and accomplishment. Others are selling poverty and misery. Yes, people are actually selling poverty and misery. The bad news is that there is a market for it. By selling something called “helplessness” to others, it becomes “learned helplessness” and is a major cause of underachievement, poverty, and even crime. Do you hear more people selling problems or solutions? People who are selling problems are once again selling “helplessness.” When people buy “helplessness,” the blame machine turns on. Then the discussion becomes about who is to blame for the such-and-such event, not the solution for that event. Nothing gets done by selling failure or problems. Are you selling success? Everyone wants success, not failure. Everyone wants solutions to their problems, not more problems. Leave that to the evening news. They’re good at what they do.

If You’re Not Selling Success and Solutions, That Business Is Dead

In business, the object is to sell people a solution to their problems, not create more problems. If salespeople aren’t solving people’s problems in exchange for their money, they are creating problems for their clients and customers. If no one believes that a product or service can solve their problems, then no one will buy that product or service. If that product or service is not solving people’s problems, and people are buying those products or services, that business is doomed. That’s called fraud and it will be only a matter of time before government authorities shut that business down. If no one is buying that business’ products or services, that business is dead.

 Responsible Selling Is the Answer

Responsible selling serves your clients and customers, not creates more problems for them. Responsible selling creates profits and a legacy for the business owner and the business. Sell responsibly! People need responsible selling. The laws of supply and demand will take care of irresponsible selling eventually.