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Why Current Sales Techniques Don’t Work and What Does.
Remember when collaboration meant genuinely giving and taking? When business relationships were built on trust, not transactions? I’m increasingly finding myself recoiling from the phrase “relationship building” because, frankly, it’s become a thinly veiled sales pitch.
It’s become a formula: connect, feign interest in someone’s “journey,” and then, subtly (or not so subtly), pitch your “stuff.” The worst offenders are those who bypass any semblance of getting to know you, opting instead to dive straight into a sales monologue. Yes, sometimes a shared experience or background is a valuable icebreaker, but even that’s often twisted into a sales strategy. And the sad truth? Most people don’t even bother to read your profile before they reach out.
Just the other day, a man approached me, citing my background, and immediately suggested we “connect” to assist each other. When I asked him if he simply wanted to sell me something, he admitted he did. We parted ways. It’s disheartening. The genuine desire to build a mutually beneficial relationship seems to be a relic of the past. No one has the time, or perhaps the inclination, to truly connect before demanding you open your wallet. Whatever happened to building genuine partnerships?
We all want to achieve our revenue goals, but at what cost? Someone with a vast network can bring immense value, but I won’t hand over my business to someone I don’t know or trust. I’m old-fashioned enough to believe in doing my due diligence. There’s a clear pattern: a slick pitch versus a proven track record built on genuine connections.
I teach my students the antithesis of this approach. We focus on producing quality products and services, offering genuine value, and developing relationships. When you solve a customer’s problem with genuine care, the sale becomes a natural byproduct. It’s the difference between a sprinter and a marathon runner. I’d rather win a gold medal in the marathon of long-term relationships than a fleeting sprint fueled by a high-pressure pitch. My 85% closing rate isn’t a “technique”; it’s a testament to the power of authentic connection. I am willing to build a relationship with them until they feel secure in their decision and it is the right time for them.
So, please, stop masking your sales pitch as “relationship building.” People can see through it. We have more to offer than a quick transaction. True collaboration, built on genuine connection, can yield results far beyond a single sale. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to invest in something more than a swipe of a credit card.
The truth is, genuine relationships are not a shortcut; they are the foundation. They are the long game. And in a world saturated with fleeting transactions, the companies and individuals who choose to invest in them will not only survive, they will thrive. They will build legacies, not just sales quotas. They will create loyal customers, not just one-time buyers. And in the end, they will discover that true success is not measured in dollars, but in the depth and strength of the connections they forge. It’s time to stop pretending. It’s time to build something real.
Landria Onkka is an award winning, best selling writer. She ‘pitched’ one of her stories that resulted in a Hallmark Movie deal. Landria believes in creating quality, value, trust and relationships. You can visit her at https://digitalexplorers.net where she teaches these foundations to other caring entrepreneurs who look to change the business paradigm.