More Than Just A Title: The Person Behind The Sales Tag

I was inspired to write this piece after reading a story by Zig Ziglar in one of his books. In it, he shares a simple but powerful lesson about understanding and prioritizing the person behind every task, goal, and relationship—whether in sales or in life.

The story goes like this:

A father, just back from work and utterly exhausted, wanted a few moments to unwind. But as often happens, his young son was eager to play with him. In a quick attempt to buy some time, the father tore a page from the newspaper that had a world map on it and handed the pieces to his son. He challenged him to put it back together, figuring it would take quite a while and give him a break.

But to his surprise, within minutes, the boy returned with the map perfectly assembled.

‘How did you finish so quickly?’ the father asked in astonishment.

The boy grinned and said, ‘It was easy! There was a picture of a man on the back of the page. I just put the man together, and the world fell into place.’

Ziglar used this as a metaphor to emphasize: If you get the man right, everything else will fall into place. In other words, if you focus on the individual—understanding them, supporting them, helping them become their best self—then the results, the goals, the “world” around them, will naturally align.

This insight struck me as especially relevant to the world of sales.

It’s easy to get lost in quotas, targets, and strategies, focusing solely on the numbers or the outcome. But behind every sales figure is a person—the client, the prospect, the sales rep—each with their own needs, challenges, and motivations. If we take the time to really understand and support that person, the results often take care of themselves.

Whether it’s developing our teams, building client relationships, or even improving ourselves, Ziglar’s story is a reminder that people are at the heart of everything. When we ‘get the man right,’ when we take care of the individual and build authentic relationships, success has a way of following.

So as you read on and reflect on your own approach, keep this idea in mind: when we focus on the people behind the sales, we’re not only creating a path to success but also making that journey more meaningful and fulfilling.

The Essence of Identity

Have you ever been introduced at a party and immediately been labeled by your profession?

"This is Jamie, the salesperson."

It's a common occurrence, but it made me ponder deeply. Before I don the badge of 'salesperson', I am first and foremost a person, complete with dreams, experiences, and stories that have nothing to do with my career.

We are all more than just our job titles. 

The Human Touch in Sales

Sales is often perceived as a numbers game – meet the targets, achieve the goals, and climb the ladder.

But at its heart, sales is a deeply human profession. It's about understanding needs, connecting on a personal level, and building trust. And trust me, that connection happens when we let our genuine selves come to the forefront.

It's the little anecdotes, shared laughs, and empathetic nods that turn a business interaction into a meaningful connection. 

NOTE: “Embracing Our Humanity” reflects on the role of genuine human connection in the sales world. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing people as metrics or sales figures, but this article encourages us to embrace empathy, understanding, and our shared humanity. By focusing on what makes us human, we build deeper, more meaningful relationships that go beyond business and create lasting impact.

Beyond the Sales Pitch

A few years ago, a potential client shared a personal story about their daughter's first dance recital. Instead of jumping straight into my pitch, I took a moment to share my own experience of my son's first soccer match.

That exchange, which had nothing to do with business, laid the foundation of one of my most enduring professional relationships. It was a reminder that beneath the polished veneer of 'salesperson', there's a person with real experiences and emotions.

The Value of Authenticity

The most successful salespeople I know are those who stay true to themselves. They're not just selling a product or service. They're sharing a part of their personal story.

Authenticity has a way of shining through, and customers can sense it. When you're genuine in your interactions, it becomes less about making a sale and more about creating a lasting bond.

Embracing the Person in the Profession

In the hustle and bustle of targets and quotas, let's not forget the person we are at our core. Our experiences, our values, our stories – these are the things that truly define us. While the title 'salesperson' might be how the world perceives us, it's essential to remember and cherish the individual behind the tag.

So the next time someone introduces me as just a salesperson, I'll smile, extend my hand, and say, "Hi, I'm Jamie. I love hiking, I make a mean spaghetti carbonara, and yes, I also happen to be in sales." Because before any title, first and foremost, I am me.