What's the Difference Between Character and Personality?
At Living is Selling, we believe that selling is not just a profession-it's a way of life. Our business name is based on the premise that "we live to sell and we sell to live," meaning that selling extends beyond the traditional sales arena and permeates every aspect of our daily interactions. With this in mind, let's explore the crucial distinction between character and personality and how understanding both can elevate your selling game at work or at home.
Character: The Foundation of Authentic Selling
Character forms the bedrock of who we are, encompassing our moral compass and ethical standards. In the context of selling, character traits like honesty, integrity, and reliability are non-negotiable. These qualities shine through in every interaction, whether you're pitching to a client or sharing ideas with family members.
For instance, a salesperson with strong character will provide honest product information to a customer, even if it might not lead to an immediate sale. This integrity builds trust and often results in long-term customer relationships and referrals.
Personality: The Flair in Your Sales Approach
While character forms your core, personality is how you express it to the world. It's the unique blend of traits that make you, well, you. In sales, your personality is the secret sauce that can make your pitch memorable and your connections genuine.
Consider the charm of an extroverted salesperson who easily strikes up conversations at networking events or the meticulous attention to detail of an analytical type who impresses clients with thorough product knowledge. Both can be equally effective, just in different scenarios.
The Living is Selling Perspective
At Living is Selling, we recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to sell-be it an idea, a product, a service, or simply yourself. Here's how character and personality play out in various "selling" scenarios:
- In the Workplace: Your character determines whether colleagues trust your input, while your personality influences how effectively you communicate ideas.
- At Home: Character traits like dependability show family members they can count on you, while your unique personality might make you the go-to person for advice.
- With Clients: A strong character ensures you're recommending solutions that truly benefit the client, while your personality helps you connect and build rapport.
Balancing Act: Character and Personality in Sales
The most successful "sellers" in life and business strike a balance between a solid character and an engaging personality. They understand that while personality might open doors, it's character that keeps them open.
For example, a salesperson might use their outgoing personality to make a great first impression. However, it's their character-demonstrated through follow-through, honesty, and genuine care for the client's needs-that secures the deal and builds a lasting relationship.
Developing Your Sales Arsenal
At Living is Selling, we encourage developing both character and personality:
- Strengthen Your Character: Consistently act with integrity, even when no one's watching. This builds a reputation that sells itself.
- Refine Your Personality: Identify your unique traits and learn to leverage them effectively in different scenarios. Remember, authenticity always sells better than imitation.
Whether you're in a boardroom or your living room, you're always selling. By understanding and honing both your character and personality, you'll not only excel in professional sales but also in the art of living-because at Living is Selling, we know that mastering the art of selling is mastering the art of life itself.
