Join the crusade! Professional sellers engage in quality SELLERSHIP.
Deb Calvert
We build organizational strength by putting PEOPLE first. Engagement, retention, morale and productivity soar when you put PEOPLE first in business.
Sellership is a replacement word for salesmanship. I made it up, and I hope it takes hold. I’ll be crusading for this change and invite you to join me!
Salesmanship is defined in the dictionary as
· the technique of selling a product
· adeptness at creating interest in new ideas, products, methods, etc.
· the technique, skill or ability of selling
· the work of a salesman
I take exception to that last definition. The word salesmanship denies “the work of a saleswoman.” What’s more, various dictionaries define “salesman” and “saleswoman” differently. Take a look at the synonyms offered:
“Saleswoman” produces synonyms like “clerk” or “agent.”
“Salesman” displays the synonyms “businessperson” and “representative.”
No online dictionary I checked uses the obvious choice of “seller” as a synonym for “salesman” or for “saleswoman” despite their own definitions of seller being “a person who sells.”
Perhaps this is a reflection of gender stereotypes or the roles men and women have assumed historically. Nonetheless, we’ve entered a new decade. Women do the same work as men in selling, and there’s no need for a distinction! Those synonyms should be identical and, better yet, there shouldn’t even be gender-specific words. That’s why I’m advocating for the words seller and sellership.
I've consulted the process and standards for getting words added to Merriam-Webster and other dictionaries. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could impact our profession and the way people see it by changing this one word? Let's go for it. Let's try to make this word stick and get extensive use so that it's recognized officially in 2020.
Words matter. I'm asking you to literally help spread the word... this one word, SELLERSHIP. Use it in place of "salesmanship." Use it with pride to describe the selling abilities you've acquired, the techniques you use to sell, and the skills and qualities that make you a valued resource to your buyers.
Use sellership as a professional distinction that conveys the high caliber of the work you do. Take pride in your sellership, and let it shine through in all you do. Name it and claim it!
Feel free to use this artwork on social media and elsewhere to help spread the word. Let's see what we can do together in our crusade to let the world know about sellership.
Let me know what you're doing to spread the word. I'd like to amplify your efforts. Message me here on LinkedIn, and let's keep this conversation and crusade going throughout 2020.
Brand Manager of Sayem Group | Merchant Bay | 22 Digitals | Ek Nojor App | Sneaker Squad BD | Hot Ryde
4yThank you for sharing the view.
Deb, you are an incredible leader. I absolutely believe this is a great mission and I'm on board. I'll be sending out your article to my entire database, I'll speak to it at my upcoming events and post it on my social media, which is limited but worth it anyway. Thank you for taking the charge on creating more equality for women.
Sales Pioneer - helping you sell that which has never been sold before!
5yYES! Let's drop that gendered term from our profession.
We build organizational strength by putting PEOPLE first. Engagement, retention, morale and productivity soar when you put PEOPLE first in business.
5yBIG LOVE to everyone who is sharing this word, using this word, and spreading the word SELLERSHIP. We're gaining some momentum, so let's keep it going!