How do you regard the average salesperson who tries to do business with you? You think of him or her as someone who’s trying to sell you something, don’t you? But what about your favorite salesperson—the one you go back to time and again for a suit of clothes, do-it-yourself supplies, or insurance needs? You don’t think of him as someone with something to sell, do you? You think of this person as a friend, someone who helps and advises you—someone who looks out for your interests.

          Do your customers and prospects think of you as someone with something to sell—or as a trustworthy friend who is anxious to help them in every way possible? If you answer that question honestly, it may tell you a lot about the reasons for your success or failure in sales.

          One top-drawer salesperson put it this way: “When I’m interested only in my own personal gain, I’m a peddler. When I’m interested in serving my customers, I’m a professional.”

          The maker of a professional salesperson is sincere desire to be of service. He or she puts the customer’s needs and desires first and keeps personal gain out of the picture.

          What would you think of a doctor who gave you no more attention than a single visit…stabbed you with a needle…and dismissed you without investigating your medical history or even asking about your aches and pains?

          “A pill and a bill” never make for successful, long-lasting relationships in medicine…or business. Professionalism of the highest order is just as much a requisite for anyone in sales as it is for a doctor, lawyer, or accountant.

          A careful analysis of the prospective client’s problems, needs and wants…a thoughtful approach to satisfying them…a conscientious follow-through on service…these are the marks of professionalism in selling. In the long run, they pay higher and more lasting rewards than any hotshot approach ever conceived of.

Our decorative Inlaid Box Newels were designed to create a more dramatic stairway appearance. These beautiful newels are available with two different inlay patterns and a variety of wood specie combinations. Iron inlays are also available to match our ornamental iron baluster collection. Our Inlaid Box Newels are identical in dimension, and are assembled in the same manner, as our standard box newel line. Optional accessories such as top plates, finials, embossed carvings, and rosette blocks are easily added on the job, with finish nails and construction adhesive. See the L.J. Smith catalog for our complete offering of Box Newels and accessories.