Do you do as you say?

Every time I take a flight I’m mildly entertained by the trite safety spiel, which contains a statement I think transcends the aviation industry: “In event of emergency, first place the oxygen mask over your face and only then over your child’s.”

To do so may initially appear to be a selfish act but it expresses your need to save yourself first in order to stay conscious and alert to save your most cherished.

There is no shortage of people out there striving to save the world, which is an admirable ambition, but just make sure you put food on your table first.

I know business professionals who are competent in their craft but fail to demonstrate it for their own promotional purpose.

Think of a landscape gardener’s house surrounded by feral foliage, a dentist with pungent breath or a search engine marketer who’s not the first page encountered on Google.

If those people fail to demonstrate their skills for themselves what does that say about their commitment to their customers?

If your aim is to charge a fee for service you are more influential when you demonstrate how you utilise that service in your life.

Similarly, if you’re selling a product you need to implicitly understand its value and benefits.

Some time ago I had a meeting with a web company that claimed to specialise in social networking but a quick review of the strategy they implemented for their business revealed that they were barely qualified to even talk about the subject.

Often a lack of credibility cripples a start-up business because no proven track record and limited relevant experience highlight overt risks to a potential suitor.

You may not have the big names on board just yet that shouldn’t stop you from demonstrating how you utilise your own skills.

If you’re a realtor, own your own properties — start as small as you need to.

If this suburb really is the next boom area why aren’t you in this market already?

If you’re a web developer show me a world class website – all it should cost is your creativity, resources and time.

Mr financial planner, I want to know about “your” asset portfolio, about the risks you took and overcame to achieve personal wealth.

If you can’t save yourself, don’t expect others to pay you to save them.

For more Selling Strategies advice, click here.

Trent Leyshan is the founder and CEO of BOOM Sales! a leading sales training and sales development specialist. He is also the creator of The NAKED Salesman, BOOMOLOGY! RetroService, and the Empathy Selling Process.