Once in a while I am asked the question, “How does someone sell themselves?” The simple answer is – Just be. Too many people get caught up in the idea of sales and forget the basics. It’s not their job to convince anyone of anything. It’s simply good enough to be out there, be knowledgeable, and be giving. If they remember – just be – they will always be on track to ‘sell’ themselves.

While you are now thinking ‘huh?’ allow me to explain. People buy the salesperson first, the product second and the company third. So, it is critically important that you be the kind of person who others want to buy from. You can’t do this by working at being someone you’re not. Nor by trying to sell.

There are 3 Be’s to adopt.

1. Be yourself

It takes less effort to be yourself than it does to create a persona. Besides, people can see the mask a hundred miles away. Their guard will be up before you realize it. Why? Because your focus is off. It’s on you (or I should say, on your creation of you) – not on them.

The ‘you’ who you really are is the one that will resonate with people. And aren’t you a great you?! You’re the best you there is! No one is a better you than you! So, do yourself a favor and embrace your genuine self.

2. Be a giver

1. Don’t focus on what you want to get. Focus on what you can give. ‘What goes around, comes around.’  ‘The smile you send out returns to you.’ Sound familiar?
2. Listen. Learn all you can about the person you are interacting with. Find out if there are ways you can help them; have a positive impact on their day. DON’T sell them. People don’t like being sold – do you? People DO like to feel respected. They want to know you have their best interest at heart. It’s something you can’t fake.

3. Be knowledgeable

Know what you are talking about and state it simply. Don’t try to wow someone with your ‘vast knowledge.’ That’s obnoxious. Once you’ve listened and learned, you are in a better position to share from your knowledge base and experience. What you have to say will resonate with others.

They’ll WANT to hear it because they know it is coming from your genuine self. They’ll know it’s coming from a position of giving, not getting. And they will know that what you are telling them is true – because you are.

So, you see, that selling yourself is easy – when you are yourself. Try it on for size and see how it fits! I have a feeling it’ll fit better than trying to be someone you’re not.