I was talking to Pat the owner of one of my favorite watering holes ( the Dundee Dell with the worlds largest collection of single malt scotches.  If you're in Omaha check it out) and we were commenting on how so many things in the bar business have changed over the years but the basics have not been touched.

He talked about how the old juke box that used to play 45's has been replaced by a digital music player that can play any song ever recorded.  We discussed computers for inventory control and HD televisions to watch the games.

But with all the changes one thing remains the same.  people come to a bar to get away from the house, to meet friends, to have conversations, and to enjoy themselves.   That has never changed and it never will.

The same is true with sales.  The tools have improved.  No more pay phones and pagers, everyone has a cell phone.  Paper orders that used to take forever to fill out have been replaced by a wireless digital order form that takes seconds.

But one thing hasn't changed.  The need for the personal one on one service that a quality sales person can provide.

Even though a customer may be able to place an order online, a good salesperson that is providing the personal touch can keep the customer when they may be tempted to buy elsewhere to save a few bucks.  A good salesperson can provide information, service, comfort and entertainment to the client.   A web page can't do that.

So embrace the new technology but remember.  People are still buying for the same reasons they bought 500 years ago. And good salespeople are still leading the way.