By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
The art of selling, insights by Azu Ishiekwene
In the realm of sales, there exists a plethora of books offering guidance on how to sell practically anything, akin to grains of sand on a beach. Despite delving into a few myself, I’ve come to realize that true mastery in selling comes from practical experience rather than theoretical knowledge alone.
For some individuals, selling comes naturally, effortlessly weaving tales that entice even the most discerning buyer. However, I must confess that I am far from a natural salesman. I tend to overanalyze and take personal responsibility for any perceived failure, traits that hardly align with the characteristics of a successful salesperson.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall my first book, “The Trial of Nuhu Ribadu: A Riveting Story of Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption War,” which, despite its significance, did not achieve commercial success. This experience led me to ponder how I could approach my second book differently.
Fast forward to the present, and much has changed since the release of my first book sixteen years ago. The advent of the internet and social media has revolutionized the landscape of selling, prompting me to adapt and immerse myself fully in this digital age.
In my quest to pen my second book, “Writing for Media and Monetising It,” I recognized the importance of being intentional and strategic. Drawing inspiration from Kevin Kelly’s principle of “1,000 True Fans,” I sought to cultivate a loyal audience base that would support my endeavors.
While reminiscing about the success stories of authors like Stephen King, who rose to prominence without the aid of social media, I acknowledged the role of both genius and serendipity in achieving such feats.
Navigating the realm of selling has been a rollercoaster ride filled with thrills, surprises, and moments of self-reflection. As I continue on this journey, I remain optimistic about the future and eagerly anticipate the public presentation of my book on June 26th.
The art of selling , Azu Ishiekwene