From Father to Father-in-Law: A Rollercoaster of Emotions and a Sales Lesson

This Saturday, my little girl walks down the aisle. It feels like just yesterday she was learning to walk, ride a bike, and now… well, now she’s starting a whole new chapter of her life. It’s a beautiful thing, and I couldn’t be happier for her and her soon-to-be husband. But man, is it an emotional ride!

One minute I’m beaming with pride, the next I’m swallowing back tears. I’m excited for them, nostalgic for the past, and maybe just a tiny bit terrified of the future. It’s a whirlwind of feelings, and I’m sure any parent who’s been through this can relate.

But here’s the thing: this emotional rollercoaster got me thinking about something seemingly unrelated – sales.

Stay with me here.

As a father, I want the best for my daughter. I want her to be happy, secure, and taken care of. And that takes me back to those early conversations with my now son-in-law, where I subtly (or maybe not so subtly) grilled him about his plans and his ability to provide for my daughter.

Now, imagine yourself a salesperson. Your clients, those business owners, they’re like me in this scenario. They’re fiercely protective of their businesses, their “babies.” They want the best for them: growth, security, and smooth operations.

And that’s where the empathy comes in. Just like I’m experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, your clients are dealing with their own anxieties and aspirations for their businesses. They need someone who understands that, someone who can connect with them on a deeper level.

Here’s how my fatherly emotions translate into sales lessons:

• Build genuine relationships: It’s not just about closing the deal; it’s about building trust and rapport. Just like I wanted to know my son-in-law truly cared for my daughter, your clients need to know you genuinely care about their business’s success.
• Understand their fears: Starting a new business or even just navigating the day-to-day can be scary. Acknowledge those fears and address them head-on with solutions and support.
• Highlight the long-term vision: Just like I’m envisioning a happy future for my daughter and her husband, help your clients see how your services can contribute to their long-term growth and stability.
• Be a trusted advisor: Go beyond just selling a product. Offer valuable insights, guidance, and support. Become a partner in their success.

So, as I raise a toast to my daughter and her new husband this Saturday, I’ll also be raising a toast to all the merchant services salespeople out there. May you always remember the power of empathy, the importance of genuine connection, and the impact you can have on the lives and businesses of your clients.

And to my beautiful daughter and wonderful son-in-law: Congratulations! Dad loves you both very much.

Happy Selling,

David