First of all, let me just make clear that the whole point of Marketing is to sell more stuff…
This post is dealing more with what I perceive to be some common misconceptions between the words “selling” and “marketing.”
“Selling is marketing, but marketing is not selling.”
If the above phrase doesn’t make any sense to you, allow me to explain…
I’m a great salesperson, always have been… but I could certainly never sell ice to an eskimo.
Why?
Well, let’s take a look at the meaning of the phrase…
Verb
to sell ice to Eskimos
- (idiomatic) To persuade people to go against their best interests or to accept something unnecessary or preposterous.
- He’s such a smooth talker, he could sell ice to Eskimos.
Basically, it means to convince someone to buy something they don’t want or need.
Isn’t this what most people think of when they think of sales… some “slick-willy” selling junked-up used cars?
But I tell you, I’ve always been good at sales… and not once have I ever sold someone something they didn’t want.
How is this possible, you ask?
It’s because I listen to people and try to solve their problems based on what they’ve told me.
In Internet Marketing, this is easy to do…
Basically, you find where people who have problems you can solve are hanging out… and you present what you have to sell to them!
Too easy!
Some of these people will buy your stuff, whether you’re good at selling or not… for the simple fact that they have a problem, you can solve it, and they are aware that you can solve it.
It’s kind of like those Grizzly Bears on National Geographic… You ever watch that?
The smartest ones find a nice little spot at the top of a waterfall… sit down… and let the salmon jump right in their mouth!
If you’re interested in being a smart Grizzly Bear who has salmon jumping right in his mouth, you might want to give us a call… 520-777-9553
About Derek Alvarez
Thank you for your great blog entries. You all definitely have your finger on the pulse of all things sales and marketing.
Thanks, Craig. I really appreciate the compliment!
Oh yeah, if one only knew where to place himself and know what to do, that would be wonderful.
Yes, but the only way to know is to research and give it a try!