She is one of the best sales people on the planet. I was blessed by her helpfulness and impressed enough to send her business for years.
He, on the other hand, I won’t forget either, but for an entirely different reason.
Have you ever observed sales people at work?
I hate to shop, but I needed new clothes for business. I went to a large department store, walked around a bit, and then stood gazing across the store. A lady approached me and asked if I were looking for the way out. I told her I was looking for the ladies department. She asked something like, “Do you want to update your wardrobe?” I told her I needed to start over.
You will never guess what she did next.
She walked with me to the ladies department, questioned me about what I wanted, put me in a dressing room, and spent the next 2 ½ hours bringing me clothes to try. She was completely honest about what looked good on me and what did not. She encouraged me to only buy something if I would wear it. She even pulled a coupon from a paper at the register to get a discount for me.
Now, as for the “he” I referred to at the beginning. He knew me. He called me up, and he wrapped his entire conversation in compliments or perhaps flattery. From that, I knew he was looking to sell me something. This was not about helping me; it was about selling to me.
Most of us are in sales at some level. Which person are you like? Are you about helping someone get what they want, or are you simply selling?
It was not the offer that offended me. It was the technique that was troublesome. The Bible warns us of flatterers.
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Proverbs 20:19
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Proverbs 26:28
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:5
When I mention flattery, I am not talking about sincere compliments. Everyone could use those. Encouragement is a wonderful thing. We should all do more of it.
I am talking about insincerity. When someone flatters you, they are giving you undue praise. Either you did not deserve the praise or you did not deserve the amount they are serving up.
When someone flatters you, watch out. They are not trying to help you. They are most likely setting you up for something. If you are using flattery, I urge you to examine your motives. Try a different technique for sales. Try matching the person with the product they really need.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:42
Today’s challenge is to not flatter someone in order to sell them something. Ask questions. Find out what they need. Meet their needs if you can. Be honest with them. If you are honest, and do a great job of helping folks, they will remember you and refer folks to you.