It’s yours, own it!
Some time ago, I read a story about Michael Jordan. I don’t remember the full details but I will do my best to recall it. Jordan went to his friend’s house where his coat was placed in the coat closet. When it was time to leave, he went to the closet to grab his jacket and noticed a different label-brand compared to the label he was signed to. This friend of his was I believe his agent or someone very close to him and his business. Jordan asked for a pair of scissors. When he got it, he cut up all the windbreakers and jackets in that were not the brand he was signed to. His friend, confused was wondering why he would do such a thing. Jordan stared straight at his friend and said, and I’m paraphrasing: if you want us to remain, friends, you cannot own or use other brands when you are working with a brand that is making you money.
The legend was on to something. He was onto something spectacular. It wasn’t just the company that signed him a contract or gave him a deal. It was his company and he was not gonna allow another brand to replace his brand. A lot of entrepreneurs, especially those starting up tend to be shy away from owning the products they sell. You must show ownership of your products because you own it
PERSONAL USE:
You have to use your products. If you were selling me something you don’t use yourself, it may be one of a few options: 1. The product is subpar therefore you don’t even want to use it. 2. It is dangerous, illegal, or addictive therefore should not be sold in the first place. 3. It is too expensive that even you the owner can’t afford to buy it, or 4. The product is not what you say it is. There is no positive reason to sell something you haven’t used yourself unless if you are in a different industry compared to what you’re selling. For instance, if you are male and sell women’s cosmetics, then you may not use it firsthand but you may have someone close to you who does. Or perhaps you use it yourself. If you sell weight-loss products and have never needed to lose weight, then you might have a family member or friend or neighbor who should use it. If you cannot vouch for your products, don’t sell them.
RETAIL:
Retailing becomes easy when you truly believe in your products and have used them firsthand. People may not agree with you on the benefits of your product or service but they cannot take away your results or story. Many times people are skeptical about products or services if they don’t think they can get their money back. People can rationalize and buy anything if given enough value. So, let the value your products produce help you sell them. Feel free to guarantee a return to people within reasonable time limits if they do not absolutely love your products or services.
MANUFACTURE:
Earning a residual income on something you did not manufacture or process is a sure way to reduce overhead costs and guarantee the quality of your products and services. Many companies that help regular folks own businesses have taken the burden of production so all there is left to do is sell. They take on the burden of meeting state and federal requirements on manufacturing and environmental standards so you and I don’t have to worry about those. How wonderful is that?
BE PROUD:
So when you are part of a company and you sell their products, keep your head up high, square up your shoulders. Be bold, be proud of what you sell, and never allow anyone to make you feel inferior. Not everyone likes their steak rear or their eggs runny. So be proud of your products, be proud of your services, tune out negative people, tune out naysayers, keep your eyes squarely on one thing. Your goal and your business.
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Your friend,
L. Manya
Leah Manya 