Kids Need to Learn to Sell

Perhaps you don't see the children in your program (or your daughters and sons) as being future salespeople. You aren't ever likely to hear a child respond to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answers may be varied--but seldom will include "a salesperson". But, the reality is that those people who learn sales skills tend to be more successful in life than those who don't, no matter what field they enter. Life is, afterall, all about sales. You need to be able to sell yourself to future employers, sell yourself in a college entrance essay, sell an idea, sell a potential mate that you're the one.

So helping a child believe in themselves is an important first step, and should be an intricate part of developing their self-esteem whether it's at home or in any youth program. The kids have bought into the product that they will be selling because you allowed them to be part of the decision process. Then ask for their ideas--put each idea (even silly ones) up on a big flip chart. Let the kids yell out their ideas on how to sell! Get them excited about it! Once the list has been exhausted highlight those that you think have the best opportunity of working IN THIS INSTANCE. That way, those with different ideas do not feel as though their ideas were rejected.

Next you want to focus on safety. Safety has to be paramount in any sales that would require going door to door. If this is how you will market your product my recommendation is that teams are formed and that the kids go as a team of 3 or 4. Remind them (often) that they are never to go inside someone's home. If there is cash involved in the transaction make certain that the children are in a safe neighborhood. Work on a sales presentation TOGETHER-- "Hi my name is s0 & so and I go to Baker's Elementary School. We're trying to raise money for some new books for our library because the town cut the school's budget. I'm sure that you remember how important books were to your education and I'm hoping you will support us. Can I count on you today for a small donation?"

Let the kids practice the presentation you come up with in class with a partner, and then they switch partners. They will grow more confident with each presentation and this will add to their own self-esteem---another great benefit of this program!

Perhaps you will set up a booth at the grocery store or at the mall in order to sell your 'product'. Or have them sell to people in the family email address book--(no strangers online!) Whatever the venue the kids will still need to sell. A good idea is to find a motivator--sometimes you only need a visual motivational tool such as an exaggerated yard stick with the dollar amount you want to raise. A coach's locker room speech is needed before they head out the door and praise, praise, praise no matter how small the amount raised. Sometimes you can get local merchants to donate prizes to the kids if they reach certain goals.