keep knocking...

Before GoNextWorld started to take form, I wanted to see all aspects of the sales world - phone sales, door to door, Business 2 business, email, social media, etc... so I did them all. 

There has always been a bad stigma attached to door to door sales.  However, there are many valuable lessons you can learn from it.

Door to door salesmen need to have thick skin.  Rejection is a VERY common thing.  Very.

People are inside watching Judge Judy and here you come knocking on their door telling them about a product they may or may not need.  Immediately, they most likely think you are a Jehova's witness trying to preach the scripture.  It is your job to tell them who you are and what you have to offer in the shortest amount of time.

A couple things I learned:

•  the better the product, the more people want it, and the easier it is to sell, obviously. 

• the importance of clear, natural communication.  Never say anything in 10 words, if you can say it in 8 words.  In this case, more is not better. 
• Trust is not only important.... it is the MOST important aspect.   Do they trust you and/or the company you are representing?  

Now, if you are reading this and thinking "I will NEVER be a door to door salesman in my life.  A lot would have to go wrong for me to end up being a door to door salesman."  Then, you are in the majority.

However, whatever you do in life, I believe we are all somehow just knocking on doors.  Some are trying to get that dream job.  Some are trying to find Mr/Ms right.  Some are simply out trying new things.  And I believe the things learned in door to door sales can apply:

Some people will slam the door on your face before you can even say your name.  Just move on to the next door.
Some people will not answer their door.   Just move on to the next one.
Some other door to door salesman for other companies will threaten you for being in their territory.  Stand your ground and fight back.

All you gotta do is offer a damn good, trustworthy product.  And the right doors will open.  Just keep knocking...


come June, #ProjectHailMary is all about opening the right doors.