Death of a Salesman ---- is he really dead?

You may have read my previous blog wherein I mentioned that I was seeking a killer salesman to join my company.  Well, the search is still ongoing.  What I can’t understand is how in the fashion industry, people don’t seem to fathom the true concept of selling. 

What makes a great salesperson?  Showing a collection to a potential buyer and hoping that the buyer will place an order?  That’s an order-taker, not a salesperson.  Selling requires talent; an order-taker is merely a clerk.  A talented salesperson creates business through 1) his/her knowledge of the product and knowing superiority of the product in terms of quality vs price, 2) his/her ability to instill a demand, a desire for the product where none existed previously…this is what I call selling. 

….and you’ll never have to work again.

Maybe it’s due to recent TV reality shows or general public interest, but can you believe it, fashion has become a topic of conversation among the general populace.  Specifically many of the college-aged have become interested in the fashion industry more then ever.  I say this out of personal experience.  I’m hearing directly from this group, kids seeking advice and guidance about fashion as a career.

Despite my hectic schedule, I believe it is important to help young hopefuls seeking direction.  If I can help, I’m happy to oblige.  My most important lesson to them is to take the honest approach.