When two people are equally set on their intention, the strongest, most influential person in any interaction is the one who is most flexible.  In sales, this means that you must change your approach until you find an approach that works.  We teach that there are no inflexible people, only a need for more flexible communicators.

If your intention is to win people to your point of view, it helps to first acknowledge their perspective.  An insightful quote from A Course in Miracles states, “If I defend, I am attacked.”  Observe another person’s perception, and meet them at their level of thinking.  It is often much easier to move someone into action and expand their previous thinking if you can relate to them as an ally.

Think of the way trees bend in the wind.  They are able to survive harsh gusts because of their flexible natures.  Like those cartoons where the hero contorts his body to avoid attack or to enter forbidden places, we can use our flexible communication to transcend objections and align with our clients’ perspectives.

Water has no definite form.  Its flexibility allows it to pass gracefully over, under, around, and through obstacles.  Rivers run to the sea because the water is so persistent and focused in its intention to reach its destination, and yet completely flexible along the path.  In sales, it helps to be like water: maintain a definite objective, and hold to your intention; yet realize that many paths can lead to its attainment.

When you are flexible, objections are no longer obstacles.  They are fun mental challenges for which you can find an empowering solution for all.

The most successful sales professionals are often the most generous and purposeful givers.  One of the Laws of Supreme Influence states In Giving We Receive. This may seem counterintuitive in a sales setting.  Many of us are trained to constantly get more, to cut costs, maximize profits, and maintain our assets.  Ironically, one of the most certain means of generating more profit is to give.

Life is in constant motion.  Money, time, energy — it is all meant to be exchanged.  When you give, you open space in your life to receive.  You also engender goodwill and create in others a desire to reciprocate.  The key — again a paradox — is to give with no expectation of return.  Giving for the purpose of receiving creates an uncomfortable tension between you and your clients.  You’ve probably experienced a desperate salesperson like this before: one who promises feeble freebies as you’re walking out the door.  A monumental difference exists between a salesperson who gives to receive and one who gives with a heart of service — in profit, repeat business, and personal satisfaction.

Remember that selling is a service.  You offer something of value to your clients that will meet their goals and satisfy their desires.  Approach the sale with the belief that your purpose is to share value; your business will likely increase exponentially.  If you are unable or unwilling to recognize your product or service as providing real benefit to those who receive it — do something different! You will do the whole world a favor.

What can you give?  Give your time.  Make every minute with your clients count.  Give your energy.  Let your clients know you value them.   Give your creativity.  Go out of your way to accommodate your clients.   Surprise people with your generosity.  You will not only find yourself financially rewarded for your added investment; you will experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and wellbeing.  The more we give, the more we are given, and the more we have to give.  Our lives will are infinitely enriched by giving.

No Competition

The world of sales can be ruthless.  Many professionals feel that to survive, they must resort to manipulation and power plays.  Yet the most successful sales people realize that they truly have no competition – they will always find enough business in any market because they have the will to thrive and the courage to give when others are reluctant to share.

Sales Mastery

Supreme Influence is a powerful tool for sales mastery.  At its core is the belief that by infusing everything in life with love – including business – all things are possible.  In sales this means offering products and services that you believe genuinely benefit your clients.  As you give, so shall you receive.  Sales people who thrive in business recognize this truth.  They build and nurture relationships, not solely for external rewards, but also for the intrinsic reward of serving others.

More Riches

Many claim that the people in business who have the most fun and enjoy their work most often make the most money.  If this is true – and even if it isn’t – why not choose to love your work and act each day as though you are so grateful for your business?  You will certainly profit; people respond magnetically to those who appreciate their work.

Value for All

When you act with Supreme Influence as a salesperson you remove yourself from perceived competition.  You are able to convey your congruence to your clients.  They know that they will meet their needs and exceed their goals faster and easier by working with you than with anyone else.  If you for any reason are unable to deliver on that promise you will refer them to someone who can, because you recognize that there is enough for everyone.  You are there to serve them and create value.  In turn, the universe responds with value.  You act with Supreme Influence because you genuinely want to support your clients in achieving their objectives.  As a bonus, you undeniably  profit.

Self Mastery

In sales, as much as any other industry, you are your own best friend or worst enemy.  Your ability to influence your own state of mind is more important than your ability to influence others, because others will be motivated only to the standard you set.  How many times have you refused to purchase something you wanted because you were unhappy with the salesperson?  Have you ever bought something you did not need because you liked the person selling it?  Can you impartially say that you would purchase from yourself?

You are the master of your state of mind.  When you act with Supreme Influence, your highest self aligns your subconscious thoughts with your conscious desires.  You will experience greater significance and purpose from your work, and your results will be measurable.

Ask yourself these questions:  What value am I bringing?  What am I giving?  How can I become even more aware of who I am and how to influence my environment based on knowledge of self?  Am I living a loving lifestyle?  Do I support others?  Look internally and come to an even better understanding of who you are and what value you have to offer.  Learn to live with gratitude and abundance will find its way into your life.