Does the thought of pitching an idea or convincing someone to see things your way make your heart race and your palms sweat?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people are terrified of anything that even remotely resembles sales, associating it with pushy tactics and uncomfortable conversations. But what if I told you that avoiding sales is actually holding you back—not just in business, but in every area of your life?
The truth is, even if you’re not selling something like a door or a new home being built, you’re still in sales every day. Whether you’re convincing your team to embrace a new construction strategy, asking for a promotion, or negotiating with your kids about bedtime, you’re using the same skills that drive successful salespeople. Yet, the fear of being seen as a “salesperson” often stops people from sharing their ideas, pushing for what they believe in, and, ultimately, achieving their full potential.
Here’s how you can start thinking about sales differently and use it to your advantage:
1. We’re All in Sales Now
You might not have “sales” in your job title, but you’re selling every time you influence a decision—whether it’s choosing materials for a project, guiding a client, or getting your team on board with a new building plan. It’s about sharing your vision in a way that helps others see its value.
Top GRIT Tip: Practice framing your ideas in a way that highlights the benefits for everyone involved, making it easier for others to buy in.
2. The Heart of Selling: Helping Others
Good “sales” isn’t about pushing people into something they don’t want or need. It’s about understanding what others need and helping them find the best solution. For example, in the building materials industry, this could mean recommending the right products to ensure a project’s success. When you approach sales with a mindset of service, you build trust and create lasting, positive relationships.
Top GRIT Tip: Always start by asking questions to truly understand what the other person needs before offering your solution.
3. Understanding Others
To be effective in sales, you must understand what others need. Whether it’s a contractor who needs a reliable supplier or a client who wants the best value for their money, listening and empathizing with their concerns is key. By doing so, you can offer solutions that genuinely meet their needs rather than feeling like you’re forcing something on them.
Top GRIT Tip: Use active listening—focus fully on the speaker, ask clarifying questions, and summarize what they’ve said to ensure you understand their needs.
4. Bouncing Back from Rejection
Rejection is part of the process, whether you’re trying to get a new building product specified or pitching a design change. Developing resilience means viewing rejection as a learning experience, not a personal failure. The more you practice this, the more confident you’ll become in all areas of your life.
Top GRIT Tip: After each rejection, take a moment to reflect on what you can learn and how you can improve for next time.
5. Making Things Clear
In sales, clarity is crucial. People are more likely to take action when they clearly understand their options and the benefits. Whether you’re presenting a new construction material or explaining a project change, making your message clear and straightforward will lead to better decisions and outcomes.
Top GRIT Tip: Break down your message into three key points to make it easier for others to understand and remember.
Final Thoughts
If the fear of sales has been holding you back, it’s time to face it head-on. Embrace the fact that you’re already involved in sales—whether you realize it or not—and start seeing it as an opportunity to connect, serve, and make a positive impact in every area of your life.
Sales isn’t something to fear; it’s a skill to master and one that can unlock your true potential.
Ready to take your sales skills to the next level in the building materials and construction industry? GRIT Blueprint can help you learn how we can help you build your confidence, master the art of sales, and drive success in every project you tackle. Let’s build something great together! Book a call to learn more.