From Mission to Sales Mastery: Why Creators Need to Embrace the Art of Selling

For years, I served in the mission field, driven by a deep desire to serve others. Yes, it is true I was driven a bit by the adventure, but the experience also instilled in me the values of empathy, listening, and genuine connection. When my wife and I were riding around the Dominican Republic on our little motorcycle, meeting people, little did I know that these very skills that were being developed would later form the foundation of my success in a seemingly unrelated field: sales. The transition might sound surprising, but the truth is that my missionary work laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career in sales, proving that service and selling aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, they're two sides of the same coin.

Since leaving the mission field, I have been selling and leading sales teams responsible for hundreds of millions in revenue over the years. Doing this with a servant’s heart is the reason for my success.

Today, I'm passionate about helping creators understand that sales doesn't have to be a dirty word. Many shy away from sales, associating it with pushy tactics and aggressive closing techniques. They crave a better way, a way to grow their businesses without compromising their values. My goal is to restore dignity and honor to this profession, demonstrating that selling can be a genuine act of service.

The principles of effective selling aren’t new. Listening, putting others over self, developing trust, honesty, integrity, doing the right thing, all have been around for centuries. But does this really work? A resounding “Yes” is the answer. From sales giants like Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Dale Carnegie, and others today like Shari Levitin, Liz Wendling, James Muir, all speak about the traits of honor that lead to sales.

So, what's holding creators back from embracing sales? Several key challenges often arise:

• Timidity about their offer: Creators often undervalue their work and hesitate to present it confidently.

• Lack of engagement: They may not be connecting with enough potential clients or building meaningful relationships.

• Conversational skills: Engaging in genuine, value-driven conversations is crucial for understanding client needs.

• Difficulty asking for next steps: Moving a conversation towards a sale requires clear and confident calls to action.

• Misunderstanding the buyer's journey: Knowing where a potential client is in their decision-making process is key to providing the right information at the right time.

• Identifying their ideal client: Focusing on the right audience allows for more targeted and effective communication.

Overcoming these challenges starts with a shift in mindset. Sales, at its core, is about serving others and providing solutions to their problems. By embracing this service-oriented approach, creators can build genuine connections with their audience, confidently present their offerings, and ultimately achieve greater success. Just like a server in a fine dining restaurant anticipates needs and offers recommendations, creators can guide their audience towards the solutions that best fit their needs.

This journey towards mastering the art of selling with dignity requires continuous learning, consistent practice, and a genuine desire to serve. It’s a journey. I am still making mistakes and have the learning mindset. We are all “in sales” in some fashion or another. If you are trying to grow your business, you need to accept this fact. I look forward to sharing some of the insights I have learned over the past few decades to help you to be better at the craft of selling.