Question - Sell more, earn more?
Answer - Yes. However, be aware that this pursuit often leads to unethical practices like overselling, making false promises, dumping, or pressuring customers into decisions that don’t serve their best interests.
Unfortunately, many individuals who engage in these behaviors don’t feel guilty about it. Instead, they justify their actions by pointing to high sales targets, the pressure from their company, or the fierce competition in the market. They see these unethical sales as a quick way to make money and think that’s the shortcut to getting rich.
But in reality, it’s the fastest route to losing both money and credibility. When customers realize they’ve been manipulated into buying something they didn’t need or want, they don’t just feel upset—they feel cheated. This sense of betrayal leads them to stop buying from you. But the real damage comes from the negative word-of-mouth these disgruntled customers generate. As a result, not only do you lose repeat business from that one customer, but you also lose the chance to gain new customers due to all the negative publicity. In the end, the real price of this quick-money approach is failure, not success.
Avoid shortcuts and focus on these principles instead:
1. Sell based on the customer’s needs, not your own greed. Take the time to truly understand what your customer needs, and then assess whether your product or service can meet that need fully. If it does, go ahead and sell; if it doesn’t, be honest and don’t sell.
2. Focus on the bigger picture, not just the immediate gains. The longer a customer stays with you, the more revenue you will generate, not just from them but also from the referrals they bring in(CLTV). Don’t sacrifice long-term value of your customers for short-term profits.
3. Treat even your smallest customers like they are your biggest. Every customer deserves your full attention and respect. Treat them as if they are your most important client, and one day, they might just become one.
4. Remember that customers are people, not statistics. Approach each interaction with understanding, empathy, and respect. The better you make your customers feel, the more likely they are to help you grow your business.
5. Never take shortcuts with your customers, or they’ll cut you short. Short-term tactics that harm customer trust will ultimately damage your reputation and your success. Be genuine, ethical, and customer-focused in your interactions.
My first sales based workshop for Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Mumbai, 15 years ago. Lasting relationship that continues to this day.
Comments