Why do people dislike and stereotype sales and those who sell?

If I say, “car salesmen,” do you picture the same person as when I say, “Walt Disney”? Why not? They both sell.

Direct sales aims to convince people to buy. Marketing aims to influence and inspire. There is a difference.

If you are trying to convince someone, you are trying to get them to agree with you. You are doing something to get that agreement. You are using evidence and/or arguments—facts, data, rationale, logic. Convincing is intellectual.

Have you ever noticed the first three letters of the word con-vince?

Stop conning Vince!

Instead, seek to influence. Influence has emotion, imagination, fear, and desire. It is easy to positively influence someone who is already convinced.

Influence and inspire. Don’t sell.