I started my publishing career in advertising sales. In recent years, I have been wearing other hats. Editing copy. Writing columns. Launching magazines. Hosting events. Creating podcasts. So, I am no longer in sales, right? Wrong. I have been in sales all along.

The truth is, almost all of us are in sales. If you have ever tried to convince a toddler that bedtime is fun, persuaded your spouse that another grill is a “necessity,” or explained to your boss why you deserve a raise, congratulations. You have worked in sales.

Sales gets a bad reputation because too many people picture a pushy salesperson in plaid slacks and white shoes who refuses to take no for an answer and spends way too much time on a golf course. Ironically, the best salespeople are usually the ones who seem like they are not selling anything at all. They are helping. They care more about solving problems than making commissions. They ask questions. They listen. They figure out what someone actually needs instead of trying to unload whatever happens to be on special this week.

That listening part is important. Most people are busy thinking about what they are going to say next instead of hearing what the other person is saying. Great salespeople know that customers will practically hand them their checkbook if they simply pay attention.

Confidence also matters. If you do not believe in your product, your service or your idea, why should anyone else? Confidence is contagious. So is enthusiasm. Fortunately, so is a good sense of humor.

Of course, no one bats 1.000 in sales. Rejection comes with the territory. But “no” isn’t forever. The key is being persistent without becoming so annoying that people hide behind their desk when they see your car pull up in the parking lot.

Honesty might be the biggest difference-maker of all. A quick sale built on exaggeration usually turns into a long-term headache. People remember who treated them fairly — and they also remember who did not.

Whether you own a business, coach a Little League team, interview for a job or simply try to convince your family that your vacation idea is better than theirs, you are selling. Not products. Not services. Yourself. And maybe that is the biggest lesson of all. People rarely buy because of the pitch. They buy because of the person making it.

So quit saying you are not in sales. You already are.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading (and listening).

Tuesday Touts
The best time of the year to eat fresh in Iowa is now through at least all of September. Masao features something special from Iowa gardens every day, like these foie gras and plum stuffed squash blossoms (fleurs de courgettes). 

It took a serious parasite (cyclospora), but we have noticed that our local Fareway has been stocking real Romaine heads and hearts again. They had disappeared from the shelves for several weeks earlier this year in favor of more pre-packaged salads, which are being blamed for the parasite in some circles. 

Today's deals
• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) has $6 quarts of prepared soup on Mondays. rotisserie chickens on Tuesdays. 
 
• The Empire's (223 Fourth St., Des Moines) Tuesday special is chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes for $10.

New heights of fun
National Balloon Classic, July 31 through Aug. 8, features night glows, live music and more.

By Rachel Harrington

Colorful balloons dot the sky, and crowds gather across the rolling countryside of Indianola each summer as one of Iowa’s most iconic events returns. The National Balloon Classic blends competition, entertainment and tradition, drawing pilots and spectators from around the world for a weeklong celebration of flight. When it comes to summer fun, the event takes it to new heights.

From July 31 through Aug. 8, spectators can catch glimpses of hot air balloons every morning and evening, except for July 31, which will feature only an evening flight. Prior to the main event, a balloon flight over Des Moines is planned for Monday, July 13, weather permitting.

So far, more than 115 balloons have registered for this year’s event, and the roster has not yet been finalized. ...

The answer to the last riddle: What do you call a dancing sheep?  A BAAAA-LLERINA! - Gail Tomlinson. OR, EWE TURN! - Anne Lentz. Or, Shear (sheer) joy! Or Good at dancing the lambo (limbo)! - Carolyn Rogers. Or, Maranda Bo Peep! - Irving Stone.

Today's riddle: Why did the ants dance on the jam jar lid?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com BY NOON to be sure your answer gets included!

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Winterset Living magazine, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com