The word ‘sales’ is so familiar that it’s easy to assume you know exactly it means from a business perspective. However, there is a basic definition of sales, and a deeper, more useful definition. So what is sales really? It’s important to be sure, because if you run a business, your definition of sales will be reflected in your attitude toward customers and business activities alike.
To improve sales activities, it is wise to get to grips with the true definition of sales. This way you can understand whether your business activities are aligned with this definition and make any necessary changes. In this article we’ll take a look at the true sales definition for business. We’ll also define some of the most common terminology and strategies for improving your sales activities.
What is sales and what does it mean for your business?
In the business dictionary, the definition of sales is as follows: 1. The activity or business of selling products or services, or 2. An alternative term for sales revenue or sales volume.
However, sales is so much more than this simple term, which if taken at face value might lead to pushy, business-focussed strategies rather than customer-focussed ones. Meaning, sales is not merely about trying to convert potential customers or developing persuasive tactics just to get people to part with their money. If this is your business strategy, people will likely sense it – and be turned off by it.
Sales is really about helping your prospects to source what they genuinely need. That means listening to them actively and understanding their pain points and specific needs. The aim is to provide a timely and cost-effective solution, which naturally equates to a win-win situation.
Note that if you know you can’t offer the best solution, integrity should come into play. This earns the respect of your prospects, and who knows? They might come back when the time is right, or pass your details to others. By sending a prospect elsewhere you have still assisted in their process – so technically, that’s still sales.
