Sell or Be Sold - Ian Illig

Salespeople are the worst part of humanity. Our guest, Ian Illig, is not the one who said this, but we almost got him to agree with us. 

Think about it. They wear plaid jackets or moisture-wicking fabrics, and promise you they’re giving you a good deal while selling you a lemon. The average salesperson puts pressure on you and disappears after they get their commission. And you're left with the memory of a creepy smile of a guy who calls you "buddy" all the time. That’s what we often picture when someone says “salesman.”

Ian, on the other hand. He is not a salesman. He doesn’t need to be. He has luxurious hair and genuinely wants to see you thrive. Who wouldn’t beg to buy from someone like that? That's why Ian says high-integrity people should go into sales. Because the bar is low, but when you apply the traits of being a good human, you end up making friends, and sometimes, you sell something while you’re at it.

In this chat, we discuss the worst parts of humanity and how you can avoid being an insufferable gasbag. We also discussed the hot air coming out of Washington and the biggest referral fee in history.

About the guest:

• Ian Illig is a sales strategy consultant for early-stage companies at stompbox.io.

About The Hosts:

• Daniel Herndon is a brand strategist at HRNDN Brand Agency and author of The Lorem Ipsum.
• Michael Salemi owns a branded apparel and swag company, Colored Threads.