The Parallels Of The Classroom And The Boardroom
I’ve talked and written so much about how a teacher’s skills are transferable to a great sales career. Here are some examples of the parallels between the classroom and selling…
Selling Ideas in the Classroom
Example: A history teacher “sells” the importance of studying past civilizations by creating engaging stories, debates, or simulations. They’re persuading students to see the relevance of the subject and invest their attention.
Sales Parallel: Much like a salesperson presenting the value of a product to a customer, teachers must frame their content in a way that connects to their students’ needs, values, and interests.
Building Relationships and Trust
Example: A teacher builds rapport with a struggling student by showing empathy and understanding, helping the student feel supported and engaged in learning.
Sales Parallel: Salespeople thrive on trust. A great salesperson understands their customer’s challenges and provides tailored solutions—just like a teacher who adapts to different learning styles. Buyers crave peace-of-mind. Building trust is the best way to give them that peace-of-mind.
Presenting in a Captivating Way
Example: A science teacher uses experiments and demonstrations to make abstract concepts come alive. By showing a live chemical reaction, they generate curiosity and excitement about the subject.
Sales Parallel: Great salespeople use visuals, demos, and storytelling to captivate audiences and illustrate the value of their product.
Handling Objections (Student Resistance)
Example: When a student complains about math being “boring” or “useless,” a teacher counters by showing how math is used in sports, Technology, or video game design.
Sales Parallel: Salespeople are experts at addressing objections putting buyers at ease in choosing their solution.
Inspiring Action Through Storytelling
Example: An English teacher inspires students to write creatively by sharing their own struggles and breakthroughs as a writer, making the process relatable and less intimidating.
Sales Parallel: Storytelling is a key sales tool to connect emotionally with customers and inspire them to act, whether it’s purchasing a product or adopting a belief.
Adapting Strategies to the Audience
Example: A teacher notices one student thrives on visual aids while another prefers hands-on activities, so they tailor their teaching approach to meet individual needs.
Sales Parallel: Salespeople adapt their pitch depending on the client’s preferences, and personality, ensuring their message resonates.
Encouraging Long-Term Commitments
Example: A teacher inspires a student to pursue a career in medicine by sharing the impact of healthcare professionals and connecting the subject matter to that goal.
Sales Parallel: Salespeople don’t just sell a product—they inspire customers to envision long-term benefits and possibilities tied to their purchase.
If you want to learn more about using your skills and experience to move into a career that rewards you and gives you the future you deserve, check out my guide,
“Sales: The Perfect Job for Teachers.” It could change your life!
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