Customer Reviews

The Zen of Selling: The Way to Profit from Life's Everyday Lessons

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After reading the Zen of Selling, I came away with a distinct understanding of how much one can still learn even after 20 years as a professional salesperson. Although through my career in sales management with software Companies like Information Unlimited Software, Computer Associates, Breakthrough Software, SBT, Oracle and DP Applications, I've read and studied many a business and sales "help and guide" books over the years, Stan's grasp of human nature combined with a solid understanding of grounded selling fundamentals makes for a terrific read and a practical and successful approach towards mastery of the most needed skill in business - dealing with human nature. A must read and high recommendation. Carry this book with you and read it often.

Stan Adler's THE ZEN OF SELLING is a masterpiece of practical philosophy. Yes, it's a book about sales techniques, but it's also a book about being a good person. Typical of the philosopher's approach is Adler's maxim: "When you are doing something for someone else, you are always at your best. . .and that certainly includes people who sell." Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius would agree.

Good people are, by nature, good sales representatives. They understand that selling is not an adversarial relationship, but a cooperative one. "Forget the selling," says Adler. "Let the customer do the buying." In short, the salesperson is the guide, the director, the facilitator--not the marketing hero. A successful sales campaign is really an affirmation of values that the buyer and seller hold in common.

THE ZEN OF SELLING breaks new ground in the commercial world. As such, Adler's book is not a sales primer, but a meditation on sales. In a fascinating collection of stories, maxims, and anecdotes, Adler reminds us that effective salespeople are well versed in the art of "understanding customers as people."

In Adler's world, "Victor" is the protypical sales success. He is a diplomat, a philosopher, and a friend. He understands that "sales" is really another word for "affirmation." Victor is the voice of understanding, the voice of patience, the voice of reason in an overly competitve business climate. Victor's message is clear: People who help others will also be successful. The same rule applies in sales.

Stan Adler's THE ZEN OF SELLING is an important contribution--a book that is both inspirational and practical. But when you visit your local bookstore, do not assume that THE ZEN OF SELLING is shelved with other books on sales. Look around. You just might find Adler's book in the Philosophy section.

--Dr. Thomas Nash, Senior Professor of Ethics and Philosophy, Churchill Honors Program, Southern Oregon University

There's not much Zen in this book, and all the Zen that is in this book is in the 4-page introduction.

This book talks about Stan's imaginary friend, Victor, who knows everything, everyone, and has done everything. In addition to that, Victor is a great salesman, who has made all the mistakes earlier on so he now knows everything. So, Victor is the guy who you learn all of the sales lessons from.

It's pretty good with the sales concepts. It focuses on relationship selling, and I thought it gave some good lessons and examples.

It's written in a fictional and narrative style, so it's easier to digest than a sales "textbook."

it is a very good book to read. every time you will find something new, and you will not board. this book is not looks like any selling books it is easy to read, understand and remmebers so have fun. sayed omar - AUC - Egypt

The Zen of Selling filled me not only with the spirit of how to accomplish life goals but it gave me a solid feel to improve my selling. I remember last summer reading the stories aloud to a friend. Me and my friend were enjoying the day taking a boat ride in Central park. As I breathed in the day the clarity Stan gave me made my day complete. A day that I will never forget. Thank you, you are talented man 17.

I am completely captivated by this gentle little book, and I urge you to look past the sometimes-dirty word "selling" in the title. Look instead to the subtitle for the real substance you'll get from reading The Zen of Selling.

Stan Adler tells a number of tales, often introduced and always given meaning by Stan's friend and wise man, Victor. From lessons on balance, appearance, situational ethics and perseverance we learn that the sales process is not a checklist, but a metaphor for living life in the service of others. Adler brings a sense of mild irony to many of his stories; I'm a sucker for a good ironic tale.

As a talk show host, I've been treated amazingly well by the salespeople who knew my name and my occupation. For those salespeople who didn't know what they were doing and treated me poorly, I've never made it a point to say anything bad about them on the air. What I am doing for them these days is admonishing them to get this book and learn their craft, not simply appear at their station. The Zen of Selling is worth ten times the sales price - buy it now before the rest of your competitors do.

The handsome cover is attractive and it promises much. The size and feel of the book extend that promise. And the design and graphics contribute as well. The author's sharp mind and clear voice add to the appeal. The message is down-to-earth and engaging. It all works together. This book is a gem! And how Zen-like: it speaks loudly in a very soft voice.

Stan Adlers' stories are ones that we can all relate to. His real life scenarios and solutions are a great way to face life at work and a home. I have tried his approaches and they have really made an impression.

"In The Zen of Selling . . . Stan Adler conveys the essense and mastery of selling! Essential reading for both the novice and experienced professional."

"A valuable refresher for sales professionals who want to boost their career. An insightful collection of stories, each with a memorable philosophical lesson applicable to high tech sales today!"