Why Sales Is Keeping Businesses Afloat During the Pandemic

The American economy is taking a beating during the Coronavirus pandemic. Businesses have been shuttered, the stock market has tanked and at the time of this blog post, over 30 million Americans have lost jobs. Apparently many of these jobs are deemed "non-essential" which doesn't make a lot of sense when you learn what is "essential", but that debate can be saved for a later date.

One thing for sure is that if you're in sales, you are essential. Salespeople are the ones driving the business, bringing in clients or customers, talking up the business and keeping the registers ringing. No matter if you are selling cars, homes, insurance or industrial lubricants, you are, at this moment, keeping the business afloat. The service technician is important, as well as the receptionist and the CEO, but none are doing the grunt work you are doing. And none are bringing in sales.

I like to think of it like this. I can have the best car in the world, with all the features and great style, but without gasoline, I have a hunk of metal that looks good but can't get out of the driveway. You, my friend, are the fuel that makes the motor run. Without you the odds of a business failing in this environment is much larger.

With this in mind, I don't suggest you burst into the office of the business owner or company president demanding a raise. Now is not the time for that. But don't be shy about letting the powers that be in your company know when you have a good sales day, or week, or month. Do your own calculating as to how much you're bringing into the business and save it as documentation for down the road when things turn around. When that discussion about a pay raise (or other perks) comes around, you'll have some ammunition with you.

Please take a moment to subscribe to this blog and, of course, referrals are appreciated. Stay healthy and productive.

Chris Castanes is a professional speaker who helps sales people succeed through workshops and humorous presentations. For booking information, click here. He's also the president of Surf Financial Brokers selling life and disability insurance in several states

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