What Presidential Campaigns Teach about Sales

By Toby Tunwase

Let’s put it straight. Presidential campaigns are more like unpaid classes on sales and marketing. Every four years, presidential candidates slug it out between each other in what is usually the highlight of any country’s democracy. Throughout their campaign period, candidates tour major cities soliciting support, donations, and, ultimately, votes.

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While presidential campaigns are about “selling” yourself, candidates also sell merchandise and record large sales. However, the big question you may want to ask is how you can learn from this activity to apply to your business sales. Quite easy. Let’s run you through some sales lessons.

The first lesson is that persuasion is key. Presidential candidates say as much as possible to bring you to their side. Whether you like it or not, you end up supporting someone who says either what you want to hear or convinces you to believe their viewpoint. In the same way, sales require persuasion. You should be able to convince your buyers that your product or service is what they need.

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These presidential campaigns also teach co-operation. Imagine if the campaigns were overseen by one man, or maybe the candidate and their family. It would end in very tragic results. Successful campaigns pull people of different backgrounds together for a common purpose. Similarly, your sales should be about bringing like-minded individuals together to contribute ideas, money, and physical support to your product.

Just like it happens in campaigns, you should be able to communicate. Not just with your team but with the people you sell to. Watch politics closely, and you’ll learn a thing or two about marketing.