In my life, I've witnessed three elite salespeople at work (slate.com)

Article summary

The article recounts the author's experiences with elite salespeople, including a charismatic inmate and a successful telemarketer, and reflects on the nature of sales and its role in the American economy. The author also shares their own brief career as a telemarketer, where they struggled to make sales but eventually learned the importance of making people feel good. The article explores the history and evolution of sales in America, from door-to-door salesmen to modern-day robocalling. The author argues that sales is often viewed as a shameful profession, but it has played a crucial role in building the American economy.

Main themes

• Sales and marketing
• American economy
• Personal experience
• History of sales
• Profession and reputation

What commenters say

• The article's writing style is engaging and unique, but some readers find it overly elaborate and trying too hard to sound sophisticated.
• Good salespeople are essential for building long-lasting relationships with customers and can make a significant difference in the success of a business.
• There are different types of sales transactions, including one-time transactions and ongoing transactions, and salespeople who focus on building relationships are more effective in the long run.
• Some readers disagree with the article's portrayal of sales as a negative profession and argue that talented salespeople are necessary for the success of many businesses.
• The article's themes can be applied to relationships in general, where making people feel good is key to building trust and loyalty.
• The distinction between selling things that people need and things that they don't need is important, and salespeople who prioritize the former are more likely to be successful and respected.
• The article's discussion of sales can be seen as a commentary on the broader American culture and economy, where the pursuit of profit and material abundance is deeply ingrained.
• The importance of authenticity and honesty in sales is debated, with some readers arguing that the article's author was dishonest in their sales tactics and others seeing it as a necessary part of the job.