The Sacred Salesperson - Introduction

The word Sacred means “devoted or dedicated to a deity or to some religious purpose; consecrated.” I have heard it said, “to be set apart” as in something very different than common things. The word scares some people, as they feel it implies restrictions, judgment, and behavior modification. I guess it is a matter of perspective. The word Salesperson – well, we all know what that means: a person who sells something. It doesn't take much research to discover the many negative connotations associated with this word. In a survey about careers, the only job considered less trustworthy than a salesperson is an attorney… (There are so many things I could say about that… but I’m just going to leave it there.)

The phrase, then, “sacred salesperson” can have two meanings: a person who sells “sacred” whether that would be things that are sacred or the concept of sacredness; or a person who is devoted or dedicated to a deity or to some religious purpose that also sells something or things. I guess a preacher could meet the first definition in some sense – one who stands in front of others and “sells” them on being sacred… on buying into the concept that being “set apart for a godly purpose” is something worth investing in. I have been that person for a short period in my life. I was a paid pastor on staff at a local church and my job was to assist in running the operations of the congregation, as well as minister to our members in a variety of ways. It is a rather long story how I ended up in that role, but suffice it to say it was a “God thing” as we say in the preaching biz. I know there are some out there who were just offended by my reference to the church as a business… I understand… We can talk about that some other time.

As to the meaning of “The Sacred Salesperson” that the rest of this post, and really, this entire blog series will be devoted to would be the person who is one seeking the “sacred” who also is employed or self-employed in ventures that primarily focus on closing sales. I am referring to the profession of selling – a person who intentionally has conversations with others to assist them in making a decision about buying or selling something. This is a very broad categorical word ranging from selling jewelry from a store, selling cars to those who walk onto a car lot, to helping buyers and sellers of real estate in the process of getting a home sold, or selecting and buying a home or investment property. I believe that I have something to say about all of this, as I have had many experiences in both areas described: I have been pursuing sacred-ness since 1991 and have experienced some success and plenty of failures. As for sales, I have made millions of dollars in my lifetime, some of it a penny at a time, and much of it 3% of sales price at a time.

An entrepreneur from birth, I was mowing lawns and selling my physical labor literally from as far back as I can remember.  I started throwing papers when I was eleven and delivered newspapers every single day until I was fifteen and my family moved from San Antonio, Texas to Dallas. Upon arriving in this new city, I lied about my age and started working at McDonald's. After another non-selling job at a wholesale warehouse, after moving back to San Antonio, I got a job in construction. Later, in my senior year, someone asked me if I knew anyone who could build a patio cover, and I said “me!” That was 1980; I have been selling ever since. I have sold construction jobs, remodels and roofs, sold food products to restaurants and institutions, and then for over seventeen years, sold homes – or more appropriately, helped home buyers and sellers make great decisions.  I could give greater details, but the point is that I have a fair amount of perspective when it comes to making a living by closing deals, and helping people part with their money for a service or product of value.

The reason I think the idea of The Sacred Salesperson is worth discussion is that the two pursuits at times can be at odds with each other… or at least, the temptation to relax the pursuit of holiness to make the sale is real. The buyer often times brings it up: “You just want to make your commission... you will say anything to get me to sign!” Even if you are as pure as driven snow, if you are in sales, you will likely be accused of this sooner or later. (As a buyer, you have probably thought this about the salesperson you were working with, at one time or another.) And of course, if you are totally honest, as a human, fallen and struggling to find our way through life, short cuts and the easy way is at times tempting. Sometimes we simply do need the money and we just need the deal to close. This is what I want to talk about here.

In the upcoming posts, we will explore these two pursuits: the one for holiness, the sacred, the life of following God, doing the right thing, and being a person of integrity. And the other pursuit for making money, closing deals, and working with people as they make choices about how they spend and invest their hard earned cash. If you are a person who sells things for a living, a professional salesperson, or you are considering it, this blog is for you. If you long for nearness of God, this blog is for you. I only ask that you be willing to look hard into the mirror and be boldly honest with yourself. I am convinced this journey is worth taking, and this conversation needs to happen. I am convinced we can be godly, sacred persons, while being a top-producing salesperson, earning a fantastic living. I believe without any doubt that we can be The Sacred Salesperson.