Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

What I Learned from the Boiler Room

Urgency. If you have a sales background like me, you know how important it is to create a sense of urgency. You never want to hear, “I'll think about it.” If they’re thinking about it, you haven’t convinced them. I am totally convinced. As I sit here dealing with deadlines, I am not even thinking anymore. I’m sold. I must have the success I’ve been chasing for almost a full year now. Personal Peace: Prayers for Women of All Faiths is the new book from Prayables that will be released by the end of the month. It’s critical that a lot of books get sold.

There is wisdom in old-fashioned sales techniques. The Internet has changed the way stuff gets bought and sold, but some things remain the same. It shouldn’t be surprising how the lessons I learned from my early days in telemarketing, working in a “boiler room” style sales organization, translate into the fast and furious “boiler room” culture we live in today.

In sales as in life, it’s important to ask questions. I like when someone cares enough about me, to want to know me. Ask me an open-ended question and listen to how I express myself. You’ll find my hot button, and understand what makes me tick. I’ll trust you because you know what I need— and we can help each other.

There’s another important “ask” that closes a sale and opens a relationship. Ask for the order. Never assume the person across the table can read your mind. A straight-forward request, that lets the other person know what you need, want and expect; is the best way to get… what you need, want and expect!

And finally, I learned in sales to say thank you: Thanks for returning my call; thanks for considering our product; thank you for buying from me. It’s no different in personal relationships: Thank you for being here for me; thank you for understanding; thanks for loving me.

And as for that sense of urgency; there is an invisible force urging me on. I know it’s not man-made, it’s God, who gave me the idea to share my love of prayer and do it quickly. Women all over the world are waiting to find comfort, inspiration, and Personal Peace.

Portable Peace

I praise You for:
My purpose,
My passion,
My partner,
My people,
My portable peace,

Your perfection experienced.

For purpose gives direction.
Passion unleashes my gifts.
My partner, life meaning
My people, a heritage
My portable peace is
Your grace unequaled.

-Ruth Williams