By Jerry More Nyazungu
Let me tell you something that might shock you.
If you want a sales team that won’t cry when a client says “I’ll think about it,” forget Harvard. Forget MBAs. Just hire someone who used to go door-to-door with a Bible in their hand.
Yes, I’m talking about Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Latter-Day Saints.
You see those neatly dressed people walking under the hot sun, knocking on your gate while you hide behind the curtain pretending you’re not home? Those are not just missionaries.
They are hardened sales warriors.
They’ve Been in Sales Bootcamp Since Age 10
While most kids were running around playing football, these folks were learning how to approach strangers, smile confidently, and start a conversation about eternal life even with someone who hasn’t had breakfast.
Think about it.
How many people can take 1,000 “no’s” and still knock on the next gate with the same energy?
That’s the kind of resilience most sales teams lack.
These guys don’t take rejection personally. You slam the gate? They bless you and move on.
You say, “Not interested”? They say, “No problem. Have a good day.”
You hide behind the curtain? They still leave you a pamphlet just in case the Holy Spirit touches you later.
Now imagine what that kind of mindset can do in business.
Sales Isn’t About Talking It’s About Perseverance
A lot of people think sales is about knowing how to “sweet talk” people.
Nope.
Sales is about hearing “no” so many times that your ears develop rejection calluses and you STILL pitch the next person like they’re your first.
Latter-Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses master that art early in life.
They are trained to remain calm, polite, and professional even when people are rude. Some of us get ghosted once and we post a WhatsApp status saying “People are fake.”
These folks? Rejection is part of the mission.
Want Sales Discipline? Learn from the Door Knockers
Let’s face it most salespeople today give up too fast.
First objection? “Ah boss, the client said they’ll get back to us next month.”
Next thing, they’re on TikTok dancing to Nick Minaj Challenge.
But Jehovah’s Witnesses and LDS members don’t give up easily. Why?
Because from a young age, they’re taught discipline, routine, and respectful persistence.
They follow up. They check in. They plant seeds.
And sometimes the same person who told them “No” five times becomes their most loyal follower on the sixth visit.
That’s exactly how you build long-term business relationships.
Sales Skills They Don’t Even Realize They Have
Here’s what they learn naturally:
Presentation skills –They walk with literature, visuals, and talking points.
Listening skills – They don’t bulldoze conversations. They ask and engage.
Adaptability – Rain or shine, they show up. No fuel? They walk.
Teamwork – Always in twos. You lead, I support. Tomorrow, we switch.
Goal orientation – They track their progress like serious KPIs.
You want closers? These people are already trained. And they’ve been doing it for free.
Imagine what happens when you give them a commission?
The Sales Lesson? Rejection is Not an Enemy
If you run a business and your sales team gets discouraged after one cold call — send them to walk around with Jehovah’s Witnesses for a weekend. I promise you, they’ll come back with thick skin and a new attitude.
Sales isn’t about shouting louder.
It’s about showing up consistently… even when nobody opens the gate.
From Preaching to Pitching
I’m not saying make your sales team preach the gospel (unless that’s your product).
But learn from those who’ve been knocking on doors for years, selling hope, offering eternity, and still smiling when you say no.
That’s persistence.
That’s humility.
And honestly… that’s sales mastery.
#SalesResilience #JehovahsWitnesses #LatterDaySaints #DoorToDoorWisdom #RejectionIsPartOfTheGame #AfricanSalesTruths #JerryNyazungu #WhyAfricanBusinessesDieYoung #SalesWithHeart #StreetMBA
