Quote from @Danny Polanski:
Ive worked with so many agents and each one has lied.
They are sales people, and typically dont bring anything to the table.
People that rely on selling things to others for their livelihood, will lie.
i wish we didnt need agents in this day and age. Just like car salesman very outdated middle men for no reason.
I hate you've had so many negative experiences with sales people. I firmly believe there is two types of sales person. The one there for the sale, and the one there for the business. Some sales people are trying to make a quick buck, and do not care who/how/what/when, they just do it, no matter the negative consequences or "burning" of their own buyers. They may make a sale to someone out of need, but they typically do not have repeat buyers.
Then you have sales people who are there for the business, and there for the people. Their understanding of sales psychology is very different, it's ran from a place of a non-need for money. It's a mindset of the value you provide and bring is how you earn trust, and ultimately earn business from someone. They focus on information, handling questions, typically not pushy, but firm. They know how to take care of people, and desire for repeat business so the focus is on the relationship and the trust.
Personally as a sales person my entire life, I must admit it wouldn't have been the first choice for myself in career, but my personality is built to work with people at a higher level. I take genuine pride in the fact that I know when I provide service to a client, they are going to get exactly what I told them, and anything else I can give them. I don't want your money, I want your long term business, trust, and referrals. I hope you can see how that shift in thinking creates a fundamentally different experience for the buyer.
I've sold mattresses, cutlery, cars, home remodels, homes, and other odds and ends sales jobs. I have retained clients from some of my first ever interactions, who met me when I was selling beds, ended up buying some cutlery from me, down the line bought a car from me, and then remodeled their bathroom with the company I was with at that time. One of the keys to creating customers that I have retained for 5+ years has been that I always provide value. I don't work for bad companies with bad products, if I get into a company and they cannot deliver to my customers, then I am out of there. A good sales person only has their word and reputation, they will do everything to protect it. A great product, company, and training means there would never be a need to lie about what you are selling, because they know what it's worth.
Side-note: You'll know you have a good sales person when they sell you off of something. A sales person who sacrifices income to better their business relationship development is likely a worth while sales person you should hang on to. Remember a lot of sales people bounce between jobs, so it's very possible to meet someone who ends up working at 5-10 different sales companies over their lifetime, and some of those may provide massive value to you, and be from someone that you trust. That's the way it's supposed to be done as a career sales professional (If you are not in a career/long term sales role).
Let me be clear, I'm not a perfect sales person, and I can't work with every person out there, but I hope that you can find someone in the future that you really enjoy, and while they may get paid from selling you something, they aren't there for the cash. Honestly it's pretty easy and quick to tell who is a good sales person. A smooth talker that doesn't answer questions is a red flag, the person who claims they know everything is lying, the person who "specializes" outside of their field is blowing smoke up butts. A good sales person is an expert in their specific category, which means that when they don't know something they will admit that, and find the answer. That's a lot different than "I think so" or "I recommend you do your own research" or them simply avoiding and redirecting questions.
For anyone still reading this; remember the 80/10/10 rule. 10% of sales people shouldn't be there, 80% are doing the motions, and 10% of sales people are absolutely phenomenal. I hope you can find someone in that top 10% every time you need a sales person Danny.
Cheers!
