STEAM Hub 4 CISS

Daniel H. Pink has written several books that have had an impact in the way we see ourselves and our relationship with society. One book “To Sell Is Human” clearly articulates how changes in our society, some induced by technology have made the traditional idea of the “salesperson” obsolete.

What the traditional image of a salesperson present is the idea that when selling one is involved in a transaction where goods are obtained in exchange for money. Today, there is more than what meets the eye. Even when there is a basic interchange between goods and money there is the element of service inherent in the transaction. Many other times it is the service what really matters. Especially in what Pinker calls the Ed-Med sector. According to statistics presented in this book the Ed_Med sector now employs more people than the manufacturing sector in the USA. (I am glad that we at The Hub are in the educational sector.)

One of the issues we are discovering related to the shift in approach to community interactions from direct purchasing to service is that the educational system continues educating students for performance in the old paradigm. The question then arises, how do we change the way we educate our future members of society in a way that, not only make ends meet, but develop a career full of emotional satisfaction?

The answer is in the way that modern business operate. Most businesses in the USA will be small. The impact of small business with a few employees or none is already appreciated in our society. The participants in a small business have to wear many hats, among the activities that the owners of small business have to do is marketing, in other words, the have to be salespersons as well.

The STEAM Hub 4 CISS was created in the understanding that a safe space is necessary for students to develop communication skills that are the basis for any human interaction. More than specific technical skills, like playing the piano or programing a computer to analyze data have to be developed, also the interpersonal “soft” skill of working within a team, accepting other around them, and being able to understand the needs of others. These skill will be undoubtedly of paramount significance when growing up to be active and constructive members of our society.

We all are selling something. Right now I am selling these ideas in the hope that we can establish a relationship. There is now “quid pro quo” per se in this but hopefully it will allows to develop a common objective that will be of benefit to all.

Please use comments below and let me know how are you using your skills as a salesperson.