Every Job Is a Sales Job

When was the last time you got what you really wanted? The answer might lie in how well you can sell an idea, a request, or even yourself.

1. Everyone is a salesperson, even if they don't realize it

Selling isn't exclusive to professionals in corporate roles; it's woven into everyday life. Anytime you persuade or convince someone—whether it's asking your boss for a raise or getting your kids to eat their greens—you are selling. This concept challenges our traditional understanding of "sales."

Sales doesn't necessarily mean pushing a product. Instead, it can involve selling an idea, a way of thinking, or even your own abilities. For instance, a teacher convincing students to meet deadlines is, in essence, selling. Similarly, a parent negotiating with a child to clean their room performs a subtle sales role.

As we grow older, fears of bothering people or being told no often inhibit us from selling effectively. This stands in sharp contrast to children, who are often relentless in asking for what they want—whether it's candy or a toy. Adults might benefit from reclaiming this natural determination to sell their ideas and desires.

Examples

• Persuading a boss to approve a vacation request.
• Encouraging a friend to try a restaurant you love.
• Convincing a child to finish homework before playtime.

2. Planning sets the stage for successful sales

Success in sales often begins with clear planning. Without a plan, you're less prepared and more likely to stumble when opportunities arise. A thoughtfully constructed sales plan includes identifying what you want and who holds the power to help you achieve it.

Planning involves first pinpointing your objective. For instance, if you’re looking to secure a promotion, you need to outline the exact role you’re aiming for and why you’re ready for it. Equally vital is understanding who can help you—the decision-makers capable of turning your desire into reality.

The lack of a plan often causes people to waste their time talking to the wrong individuals or presenting half-formed arguments. By preparing and tailoring your plan to suit specific goals, you can dramatically increase the chances of success.

Examples

• Defining a goal to convince your manager for a larger budget for your project.
• Researching who in the company can authorize your idea before scheduling a meeting.
• Outlining key points in advance to pitch a discount request to a service provider.

3. Networking is a goldmine for sales opportunities

Networking events present numerous occasions to sell, provided you actively engage with others. Your willingness to show up, smile, and start conversations paves the way for future opportunities. Networking is about building relationships—one of the cornerstones of successful selling.

When stepping into a networking event, adopt a mindset of curiosity and openness. Ask your conversation partners questions about their work or challenges. By genuinely listening, you can identify instances where you might be able to help or contribute value.

Building rapport through lighthearted chatter or shared stories can lead to trust, which is the foundation of future transactions. Learning how to gracefully disengage to meet more people ensures that you maximize an event’s potential.

Examples

• Discovering freelance work at a local business event.
• Introducing yourself to prospective clients at an industry conference.
• Earning a lunch invite through casual conversation at an office gathering.

4. Listening creates trust—a prerequisite for sales

Listening isn't just hearing words; it requires attention, patience, and empathy. Whether you're selling a product, an idea, or yourself, truly listening to your counterpart helps establish trust, which in turn can unlock opportunities for collaboration.

Distracted listening, like checking your phone mid-conversation, can derail trust before conversations progress. On the other hand, attentive listening involves maintaining eye contact, asking follow-up questions, and matching your responses to the other person’s concerns.

Timing also plays a role. Knowing when not to approach someone—like waiting until they aren’t stressed or busy—shows awareness of the other person's needs. This consideration can make them more receptive when the time is right.

Examples

• Reassuring a friend by asking and listening to their career concerns before sharing your advice.
• Postponing an idea pitch to a manager after noticing their tight schedule.
• Gaining client confidence by understanding their specific issues before suggesting solutions.

5. Asking is the simplest way to get what you want

Many people remain unfulfilled because they are reluctant to ask for what they want. Behind this hesitancy often lies a fear of rejection. But as McGovern emphasizes, you need to get over this fear to succeed.

Vocalizing your needs helps people understand exactly what you want. More often than not, people are open to saying yes; they sometimes feel guilty about declining someone else’s request. If fear of rejection persists, focus on assessing the "worst-case scenario" to minimize unnecessary anxiety.

Even if you hear no, rejection doesn’t necessarily close doors. A polite, respectful response or modified request can leave room for future acceptance or negotiation.

Examples

• Asking a manager for feedback after being passed over for a promotion.
• Simply requesting repayment for borrowed money instead of hesitating for months.
• Negotiating better terms with a landlord despite initial reservations.

6. Long-term relationships amplify future success

Selling doesn't end with a one-time transaction. Developing long-term relationships with the people you sell to can pave the road for future opportunities. Expressing gratitude and staying connected are powerful ways to nurture these connections.

Simple gestures like sending thank-you notes or offering to be of service in return for help can leave a lasting positive impression. Building relationships shouldn't feel transactional or shallow—it's about genuine appreciation and shared benefit.

Strangers are harder to sell to than people who already like and trust you, so making an effort to maintain good relationships can significantly reduce the difficulty of “selling” in the future.

Examples

• Sending a thank-you email after securing a business referral.
• Maintaining holiday card traditions with former colleagues.
• Referring clients back to individuals who once helped promote your own work.

7. Kids make the best salespeople

Children inherently understand persistence and persuasion, making them excellent examples of innate salespeople. Unlike adults, they aren’t afraid to ask repeatedly or try different approaches until they succeed.

A child asking for a new toy might reason, bargain, or even showcase a track record of good behavior to persuade their parents. Adults also once relied on such ingenuity but often suppress it due to social conditioning or fear of inconveniencing others.

Learning from children means becoming less afraid of rejection while expanding creative strategies to get a favorable response.

Examples

• A child offering to mow the lawn weekly in exchange for a weekend outing.
• A young sibling negotiating chores to stay up past bedtime.
• Persistently writing Santa Claus letters until securing a specific Christmas gift.

8. Timing elevates the chances of a positive response

Every interaction has an optimal moment—knowing this can drastically improve success rates. Approaching someone at the wrong time sends the message that you don’t value their schedule or priorities, making them less inclined to say yes.

Observing moods and external circumstances before making an ask increases the likelihood that the other person will genuinely consider your request. Once you sense resistance or fatigue from the other party, it’s often better to wait or reschedule.

Good timing isn’t always convenient for the seller but prioritizing the buyer’s experience ultimately leads to better results.

Examples

• Waiting for your boss to finish a major presentation before pitching your idea.
• Scheduling conversations about weekend commitments at relaxed breakfast times instead of late evenings.
• Deferring an investor proposal from a busy social meeting to an exclusive lunch event.

9. Selling is a skill you can deliberately practice

Stepping outside your comfort zone to practice selling can help you build the confidence needed to succeed. Whether it’s role-playing negotiation scenarios, seeking feedback after failures, or experimenting with various approaches, iterative effort strengthens your skills.

Sales is not about flashy charisma or perfect scripts. The key lies in authenticity, relationship-building, and being clear, persistent, and respectful in your approach.

With time, even reluctant salespeople can become adept at turning conversations into opportunities.

Examples

• Practicing a salary negotiation conversation in front of the mirror.
• Seeking advice from experienced networkers at professional events.
• Experimenting with new conversation starters at casual gatherings.

Takeaways

1. Approach each day with one "ask" in mind—train yourself to request what you want.
2. Reframe rejection as feedback and investigate why the other person declined.
3. Build habits around follow-ups, whether it’s sending thank-you notes or scheduling coffee catch-ups.