This thread is extremely compelling. Honestly, I think it is probably a function of the readership of HN being composed of programmers, engineers, and other problem solvers.
"I don't need help, I can do it myself."
Honestly, it is pretty easy to tell whether or not the salesperson knows what he or she is talking about. There is a huge difference between a sleazy sales guy trying to get you into a cheap suit and a person who legitimately understands the product they are selling and can outline all of the reasons why you want Thing X instead of Thing Y or provide honest feedback about style or look (if shopping for fashion). Give the person that approached you a chance! You might find that they are in fact knowledgeable about the product and can assist you in making a more informed purchasing decision. You just need to be confident enough to work with them and not just be a "sales victim."
It is particularly interesting through the lens of how you sell your own startup's product.
Everything we do is sales. The landing page is painstakingly crafted, the color of the call-to-action button is A/B tested, optimized for maximum effect. Then, you do CPC campaigns, carefully perfecting the ad copy and headline. I really, really fail to see how this is different. Olark's whole business is premised on the idea that a human being should be available to answer customer questions.
Am I way off-base here, or am I the only person in this room who actually likes interacting with salespeople?
"I don't need help, I can do it myself."
Honestly, it is pretty easy to tell whether or not the salesperson knows what he or she is talking about. There is a huge difference between a sleazy sales guy trying to get you into a cheap suit and a person who legitimately understands the product they are selling and can outline all of the reasons why you want Thing X instead of Thing Y or provide honest feedback about style or look (if shopping for fashion). Give the person that approached you a chance! You might find that they are in fact knowledgeable about the product and can assist you in making a more informed purchasing decision. You just need to be confident enough to work with them and not just be a "sales victim."
It is particularly interesting through the lens of how you sell your own startup's product.
Everything we do is sales. The landing page is painstakingly crafted, the color of the call-to-action button is A/B tested, optimized for maximum effect. Then, you do CPC campaigns, carefully perfecting the ad copy and headline. I really, really fail to see how this is different. Olark's whole business is premised on the idea that a human being should be available to answer customer questions.
Am I way off-base here, or am I the only person in this room who actually likes interacting with salespeople?
EDIT: Adding clarity to the Olark point.