Simply stated, HERO Selling requires the salesperson to be Humble, Ethical, Responsible and Optimistic. I know that’s not the way most people are used to thinking of those in sales, but my mission is to make a believer of you.
You see, the reason you don’t think HERO is an accurate description of a salesperson is that precious few salespeople actually behave that way on a consistent basis. But here’s a secret: the best ones do!! In fact, you’ve probably encountered many of these HEROs and weren’t even aware that you were being sold to. Truth be told, you weren’t actually being sold to, at least not in the sense that the word has come to mean (i.e. being coerced to buy something against your will). The HERO wasn’t selling so much as he or she was making it comfortable for you to buy. And that, my friends, is the key to being a HERO.
More than anything, what the economy needs right now is for more people to feel comfortable buying again. At the moment, people in general are very reluctant to part with any of their money out of fear for the day when they won’t have anymore to spend. What happens if this trend continues? More shrinkage, more cutbacks, and even more bad news. What the world needs now is consumers, and it’s up to the salespeople of the world to gently coax them out of their shells.
Does this mean that I think salespeople should be trying to convince people to buy things they don’t need or can’t afford? No. All we have to do is look at the mortgage crisis to see where that kind of behavior leads. What I do mean is that we, the salespeople of the world, have to make it OK for people to buy the things they do want, need and can afford. And we need to do it now!
So, are you ready to embark on our HEROic mission? Great! I’m glad to have you along. Over the next few days, we’ll analyze each characteristic of the HERO salesperson. As we do, think about how these principles can be applied in your business, starting right now! When we’re done with that, I’ll be asking for your help in a special campaign for the launch of a new website all about HERO Selling and the people who make it possible: YOU.








Jerry that was a FANTASTIC post! I really enjoy reading your blog and doing the podcast with you every week because of insights like this.
Too bad there isn’t an A in hero, because authenticity really needs to be a part of this anacronym. In essence that is what you are talking about in the post and it’s exactly what is needed. Especially in today’s online world.
Well done!
[...] attitude, entrepreneurialism, mindset | No Comments After reading yesterday’s post, “What Is HERO Selling?“, my friend Skip Anderson asked the question, “Why is being humble important?” [...]
A salesman can be A HERO, right? Authentic has to be part of it, that’s true.
I’m looking forward to you changing the world, Jerry.
[...] I encounter a salesperson like that, I say “Good day to you!” and go in search of a HERO [...]
[...] have a great WHAT: a system I call HERO Selling, which you can learn about elsewhere on this blog. HERO Selling is, I’m sure, going to change the face of sales for decades to come. I [...]
Thanks Brad, and likewise! The sales podcast we do every week is a real shot in the arm to me. It keeps me motivated and on track. We set out on a HEROic Mission to change the world of sales, and I wholeheartedly believe the world is ready for the message!
Thanks for the support, Jim! Looking forward to having you on our sales podcast.
Can I take your comment to mean you’re a member of the HEROic mission?