I'm a process and operational thinker. I take big ideas and turn them into smaller, more digestible chunks over time. It's what will accomplish the lofty goal of becoming a modular, franchisable, local food-manufacturing company in as many American cities as necessary to improve the quality of our food, minimize logistical touchpoints for raw materials, and most importantly, reinvigorate local communities with more accessible, more localized coffee and food options.
Be a thoughtful salesperson
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32
My approach to selling is broken down into a few simple principles.
Make great products that are easy to sell.
Be humble and honest.
Have no expectations.
Always ask if your customer would like to continue to the next step.
Be a good person.
I aim to create a sales experience centered around the product's most appealing qualities. For coffee, those qualities are the aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. I walk my customers through the characteristics of each bean enjoying the unique qualities of each, we talk about pricing, and we discuss the availability of spice blends and flavored coffees.
And it’s always okay if they don’t like it. I spend no time trying to convince someone to change their tastes. I do this mostly because I’m stubborn and I’d be really annoyed if someone tried to tell me what to like and not like.
Depending on the their needs, I can make lattes, french press, drip coffee, and coldbrew with the equipment I carry in a small backpack. It's kind of like a magic trick. (I also sometimes do actual magic tricks.)
It's a really simple thing, and I get to talk about coffee and technology and food and it makes me very happy to do it.
Most of all, I enjoy the fellowship I've been lucky enough to receive with each sales call. Someone is giving me their time and attention and I have a deep respect their time and attention.
Being an advocate and not a salesperson has resulted in a close rate of 77%. I'm actually concerned about growing too fast for the cash flow to keep up with.
This year is going to be bonkers.
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