How to Identify the Sales Gene

I’ve probably told the story before, but …

I walked into a Dunkin’ Donuts a few years ago and ordered a medium-hot-with-milk-and-one-sugar.

Pretty boring.

The young lady who took my order, filled the cup, and handed it to me had the sales gene. I recognized it right away. She was … special somehow.

I would guess only a small percentage of the people reading this blog understand what I’m talking about, mostly because it’s the same small percentage who would’ve seen the same thing in her.

The sales gene is what makes for that, “natural-born salesperson” comment you hear every once in a while, the “He could sell ice to Eskimos” thing.

If you know what I’m talking about, would you say something in this kind of situation?

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s not too late to catch on. All you need to do is pay attention and listen to that voice inside your head when it recognizes the sales gene.

It might exist in your waiter.

Or your child.

Or in anyone, even at Dunkin’ Donuts.

People who had the sales gene go above and beyond. They do more than the bare minimum. Sure, they could listen to what you’re asking and then fulfill the request. But if they sense a better solution, they might speak up and ask you a question.

That’s the sales gene talking.

Given the fact the customer service bar is so low these days, the sales gene is actually pretty easy to identify. Once you start recognizing it, take the next step …

After I took my coffee from this young lady, I said to her, “I want to tell you something. Feel free to think I’m crazy. Go home and tell your parents what a lunatic customer told you today. But, you are special. You have the sales gene. Someday, someone is going to walk in and you will wait on them. He or she will see what I see in you and will offer you a job in sales. When that happens, accept immediately and walk out the door. Thank you for the coffee.”

Naturally, I will never hear what happened to her. I certainly hope Fate intervened and nudged her in the right direction. It would be a shame if she didn’t end up in sales.

I implore you to do the same. If nothing else, comment and compliment on any extraordinary service you receive. But if you do come across the sales gene, help Fate along and point it out. Perhaps it will change someone’s life as it did mine …

When I was in seventh grade, the father of a street hockey friend of mine told me I’d make a great salesman. I am eternally grateful for that man’s observation. It was a seed and it grew and continues to bear fruit.

Pass it on.

Need sales? New business? Need a process to restart momentum? Contact Bill Farquharson through his website, BillFarquharson.com or 781-934-7036