Using Sales, Persuasion and Maybe a Little Cringe for Good

I have had opportunities recently to learn at my growth edges to expand them by understanding and embracing my role as a salesperson. We are all trying to get someone to do something regardless of whether we have a job that is in a traditional business environment or not. I used to think of this as being in opposition to the work that I do in service to others. The growth that I am experiencing is to realize that my persona as a public servant is limited if I do not understand and embrace my role in sales and use the tools available to persuade people to act.

Lesson #1: There is no Neutral

I am participating in an AI and Social Design cohort taught by Adam Paulisick of maad labs and Skillbuilder.io in partnership with The Forbes Funds. I am learning how to sharpen my skills as a salesperson, which is not always comfortable for those of us who are not working in a business environment. Adam is teaching our group of government and nonprofit employees to think in terms of buyers and investors, and we are learning tools to convert people to be investors in our work. This often starts with the first product we sell, which is ourselves. One of the key messages is that there is no neutral. We are ALL trying to get someone to do something. So may as well embrace this role despite the discomfort that this can bring to someone like me.  

Lesson #2: A Little Cringe Can Mean Progress

One of the things about sales is that it makes me feel a little cringy, but I am learning to flip that feeling around. At the invitation of Dr. Urmi Ashar, I participated in a Catalytic Conversation with Dr. Brian Castrucci, President and CEO of the deBeaumont Foundation. He talked about the work that he did with conservative Republican leaders to promote COVID-19 vaccination. By reaching the other end of the political spectrum, he was able to shift the discussion about vaccines. This reaching across the aisle came with some level of cringe and discomfort, but great impact. There is more about this work in this podcast from This American Life. Part of the lesson for me is a reminder that being in partnership with people who are vastly different from me has the potential for impact. According to Dr. Castrucci, if you are comfortable all of the time are you really going to be able to move the dial on important issues?