Proverbs 21:6

Proverbs 21:6 
 
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.  
 
Christian Based Selling: 
 
We are not exempt from God's law during business hours.  As Christians, we must resist the temptation to try to be all things to all prospects.  Rather than exaggerating our solution's features or capabilities we need to ask good qualifying questions to determine the essential needs of the prospective client.   If our solution is lacking in one of these essential areas then we are not going to win the business.    We need to cut our losses on the deal but make the most of the situation.
 
Sales people have a reputation for lying because there are many reps who are willing to lie about their solution to win the business.  As Christian sales professionals we have an opportunity to earn the trust of the prospective client when we tell them we do not think our solution is the right fit.  In doing so you gain a network contact who knows you are honest and trustworthy. They will call you next time there is a similar need and would likely be willing to introduce you to peers or colleagues.  Yes, you will ask for introductions because your are a sales professional.     
 
Lack of qualifying is one of the biggest issues in professional sales.  We are afraid to discover the truth that one or more of our opportunities are unlikely to close.  There is pressure on us to have 2-3 times our quota in our pipeline so that the chain of command likes what they see.  However, when we chase deals in which we cannot meet the essential needs of the client, we waste valuable time internally and with the client in pursuit of the deal.  The false health of our pipeline may also reduce our sense of urgency to develop new opportunities.     
 
When we adopt a mindset of abundance, we ask the tough qualifying questions to determine fit so that we can spend our time on opportunities that are a good fit for our solution.   When we are not wasting time on long shot deals we spend our time prospecting to find deals where we align with the client's needs.  When we work hard and smart with passion and conviction there will be no need or temptation to lie about our solution.

Have you lied in an attempt to win business?  How did you feel?  How did it turn out for your client?   For your company?  For you?
 ​