Becoming a Black Belt in Business - Salesmanship and the Tenants of Tae Kwon Do

What can a sales person, marketer or businessbe an emotional transaction? What about a car or
person learn from the martial arts? The answer: A lot!furniture? You might not think so, but it very much is.
There are five tenants that make up the core of TaeWhether it's a pushy car sales person or a testy clerk
Kwon Do. These tenants are:who had a bad day at the gas station, the interaction
-Courtesyrelated to even the simplest purchases can have an
-Integrityemotional affect on the person making the purchase,
-Perseverancewhich can ultimately impact them doing business with
-Self Controlyou in the future. A business that I frequent regularly,
-Indomitable Spiritteaches their associates that no matter what at the
This article is the first in a series of articles that willend of a sale they must say, "We appreciate your
focus on these tenants and the impact they can havebusiness and have a great day". A simple and
in the business world. As a practitioner, these tenantspowerful act of courtesy that does wonders for
can do wonders in building self confidence. They alsocustomer loyalty because it stimulates a positive
provide a focus for achieving something bigger andresponse which in turn creates a positive perception.
better than one's self. Tae Kwon Do teachesIf you don't know how your customers perceive you
self-confidence and focus through these tenants,or your organization you should! A strategy should be
which are necessities in the world of sales, marketingimplemented to discover the identity associated to you
and business.or your organization by your clients. After all, lost clients
Courtesy, as defined by Merriam Webster's onlineare much harder to get back once they've moved on
dictionary, is the act of consideration, cooperation andto a competitor. One simple way to kick start this
generosity in providing something. What services orprocess is to send out customer surveys. If needed
products do you provide? When people think of youattach a prize or offer to help the response rate. The
do they see you as a generous cooperative andsurvey should ask specific questions about delivery,
considerate person? If they don't or have a negativeproduct satisfaction, the perception of sales and
perception of you, it must be changed immediately.customer service personnel, costs, etc.
These negative perceptions not only impact you butTake the time to understand the touch points you
the organization that you represent. As a sales person,have with your customers and the emotional impact
marketer or business owner these negativethose touch points may be having. Understand the
perceptions whether true or not will have a negativeemotional dynamics involved in your sales, marketing
impact on your bottom line and will ultimately makeand business processes to ensure that you're building
selling that much harder.a solid relationship that will ultimately increase sales and
People are emotional and attach emotional qualities tocustomer loyalty.
real world transactions. Should buying gasoline or gum