"Sales are what you do for people, not to people."  I recently read an article in Success Magazine written by Zig Ziglar, which is where that quote comes from. The article is entitled "Everyone Sells".

I believe that title epitomizes everything we do. A long time ago, I went to do in estimate for a couple that had been referred to me by a friend. I was in a "service" business at the time and after listening to their desires, needs and concerns, I looked over their property and pointed out what I saw as challenges and some alternatives and finally suggested that I needed to sit down and spend a little time to determine exactly what I could do for them and what it would cost. The lady of the house replied by saying that she appreciated my time and my input. She said that I had sold myself and as long as my estimate was in their price range, they would give us the work.

As I read Zig's article, I was reminded of the fact that we are selling (if nothing else, ourselves) whenever we engage in an effort to assist another, whenever we make a commitment, whenever engage in a conversation or relationship!

http://www.successmagazine.com/everyone-sells/PARAMS/article/690

http://sntk.in/0d783507