Sales Lessons from Mexico

SalesManUp Blog


Sales Lessons from Mexico

There's no lotion or potion that will make sales faster and easier for you - unless your potion is hard work. ~ Jeffrey Gitomer


Last summer, some close friends invited my wife and I to vacation with them at their timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Never traveling to Mexico before, we did not know what to expect ; but having heard of “ all inclusive resorts “ and “ beautiful beaches”, we were optimistic about our trip. On arriving, besides being struck by the beauty of the country, and the wide span between the opulent luxury of the resorts and the abject poverty that some lived in ; I was impressed by the overall demeanor and committed work ethic of the Mexican people - especially the sales people on the beaches. We did what most tourists do - hang out under the beachside umbrellas on king size lounge chairs, looking like basted turkeys being readied for Thanksgiving . Our resort was positioned on the white sandy beaches of the Pacific. Surrounded by rocky cliffs on Banderas Bay, we experienced five star service from the resort staff. What inspired me the most, though, were the beach vendors who sold their wares person to person,property to property, up and down the beach, every day.  Everything from pineapples and papayas was being schlepped in wheelbarrows, to jewelry and clothing hauled on their shoulders. If you happened to make eye contact with them, they would immediately head your way to show you their trinkets. Sometimes you just had to say to “ no, gracias “ , but if you hesitated for a moment, they were on you like sunshine on sunblock !


As a sales professional, I found the beach vendors motivating! Their diligence was infectious and their persistence formidable. Even though there was a language barrier between us, they did not let that stop them from showing us their products. They always smiled, though God knows how many miles they had already trudged through burning sand, in the hot sun, blown by salty wind. They weren't lying under an umbrella like a king or queen. They were simply trying to feed their family for just one more day. Some tourists were mean to them, but knowing their plight and sympathizing with their cause, I could only respect them for their drive to succeed. One vendor representing coverups & sarongs, actually left her product sitting on the edge of our chairs for an hour , and walked away to grab more inventory, while my wife made a selection in her negotiation. What trust ! You had to appreciate the perseverance it takes to cold call complete strangers with your product, and turn them into buying clients. Isn't that what we all face , every single day as sales professionals ? Minus the beach, of course.


Many lessons of life and sales can be learned from our counterparts in Puerto Vallarta. Smile and don't give up. Make eye contact with the prospect. Keenly observe body language. Be persistent without becoming obnoxious. Engage the prospect’s senses by allowing them to participate within the sales experience. Let them connect with the product, if it is tangible. Be willing to negotiate. Choose to have a pleasant attitude and be thankful for the opportunity to sell.


Though cultures may differ, the skills of human communication between the seller and the prospect are the same the world over. The best potion is hard work !


Happy sales and Adios !