The Psychology of SalesmanshipAtkinson, William Walker
Science
The Psychology of Salesmanship
Atkinson, William Walker
Selling -- Psychological aspects
II. _Poise._ The salesman should cultivate Poise, which manifests in
balance, tranquility and ease. Poise is that mental quality which
maintains a natural balance between the various faculties, feelings,
emotions and tendencies. It is the assertion of the "I" as the Master
and controller of the mental states, feelings, and action. Poise enables
one to correctly _balance_ himself, mentally, instead of allowing his
feelings or emotions to run away with him. Poise enables one to remain
the Master of Himself, instead of "slopping over" on the one hand, or of
"losing his nerve" on the other. Poise enables one to "keep himself well
in hand." The man who has Poise indeed has Power, for he is never
thrown off his balance, and consequently always remains master of the
situation. Did you ever hear of, or see, the Gyroscope? Well, it is a
peculiar little mechanical contrivance consisting of a whirling wheel
within a frame work, the peculiarity consisting of the arrangement and
action of the wheel which by its motion always maintains its balance and
equilibrium. No matter how the little apparatus is turned, it always
maintains its equilibrium. It is likely to play an important part in
aerial navigation and mono-rail systems of transportation, in the
future.
Well, here is the point--_be a Mental Gyroscope_. Cultivate the mental
quality which acts automatically in the direction of keeping your
balance and centre of mental gravity. This does not mean that you should
be a prig, or a solemn-faced smug bore, with an assumption of
supernatural dignity. On the contrary, always be natural in manner and
action. The point is to always maintain your balance, and mental
control, instead of allowing your feelings or emotions to run away with
you. Poise means Mastery--lack of it means Slavery. As Edward Carpenter
says: "How rare indeed to meet a _man_! How common rather to discover a
creature hounded on by tyrant thoughts (or cares, or desires), cowering,
wincing under the lash--or perchance priding himself to run merrily in
obedience to a driver that rattles the reins and persuades himself that
he is free." Poise is the Mental Gyroscope--keep it in good working
order.
III. _Cheerfulness._ The "bright, cheerful and happy" mental attitude,
and the outward manifestation of the same, is a magnet of success to the
salesman. The "grouch" is the negative pole of personality, and does
more to repel people than almost any other quality. So much in demand is
the cheerful demeanor and mental state, that people often give undue
preference to those possessing it, and pass over a "grouchy" individual
of merit in favor of the man of less merit but who possesses the
"sunshine" in his personality. The "man with the southern exposure" is
in demand. There is enough in the world to depress people without having
gloom thrust upon them by persons calling to sell goods. Well has the
poet said:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account