by Joan Butler

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

One of the reasons people are so interesting to talk to, is that everyone has their own opinion on various subjects. How boring life would be if we all agreed with any statement made by others. However, salary having no place in a sales environment is just plain silly and I would like to take the time to explain why I feel this way. I expect no commission or salary for this opinion. Please read on

The business world is full of different and interesting jobs. Maybe they aren't quite as different as they seem at first glance. When the girl scouts come to you with their cookies, it is obvious they are selling a product. Many jobs have aspects of salesmanship that are not nearly so obvious.

My young friend Danny was hired to work as a counter person at a local fast food restaurant. His primary responsibility is to take the customers order and take payment from them. During his training however, he was taught to suggest add-on items depending on what the customer ordered (i.e. would you like fries with that?) Danny doesn't think of himself as a salesperson and that is certainly not what he was hired to be but he is selling.

My niece Jane was hired as a front desk receptionist. Her job description included such things as answering phones and greeting customers. She was to make them feel welcome and offer beverages etc. if they had to wait. If Jane is good at her job, the customers won't mind waiting for awhile. If Jane has time, she chit-chats a little and may mention something informative or interesting about the company she works for. Jane is selling the company every day to everyone she comes in contact with.

I have a friend named Beth who gets manicures every other week. It is important to her that her nails look perfect at all times. If between her set appointments, she gets a nick, she will stop in for a quick fix from her manicurist whose name is Laura. Beth is rather wealthy and can go anywhere to have this service performed but she likes Laura. Laura is selling a service as well as herself every time she goes to work. The gossip she provides keeps Beth entertained and she is well trained in her profession.

Neither Danny nor Jane would ever be considered commission only sales people. Laura gets paid both salary and commission. All three of them are selling a product, the company, or themselves and in most cases, all of those things. There is no question a salary is deserved as personal gain is not their only goal. When they make money for themselves, the company they work for is also benefiting. Why shouldn't a person receive payment for that? Nobody's time is without value and employers have to realize people don't work for nothing.

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