When you think of selling, what do you think of? If you’re like me, you totally think of the sleazy used car salesman like in the image below. It’s not, of course, that all salesmen are like this, and even all used car salesmen for that matter, but that type of stigma is just naturally associated.

Can this perception of selling be changed? Let us know in the comments.

For salesmen, overcoming this obstacle is an obvious challenge. It’s also a challenge for people trying to start a business because they don’t want to be connected to a group of people that are known for taking advantage of people. This sales association has had such an impact on society that it even discourages some people from pursuing their goals.

According to Johnny B. Truant, an outspoken blogging coach, there is a way to change this perception. He told us that he struggled with this issue but then realized a way around it. As he explained to us, both parties involved in a sales transaction should be happy. The customer wants/needs what you have, so you’re helping them. In turn, they are helping you because they are buying from you.

“It’s definitely a better way to do business for somebody like me because I don’t feel like I’m taking advantage of everybody,” said Truant.

Truant runs a different type of business and one that Sonia Simone of Copyblogger calls a “Third Tribe.” Simone coined this term to bridge the gap between the two groups that largely make up the Internet marketing crowd. The one tribe consists of marketers that are focused on selling, and the second tribe is the social media crowd that is primarily concerned about connecting.

Simone felt that a lot of people didn’t fit into either of these categories, and, as a result, Copyblogger has built an entire brand about the concept of “Third Tribe.”

“[It’s] the idea that the best connections lead to the best customers and so forth, and the best customers come out of creating true connections,” explained Truant.

He went on to say that he doesn’t abide by a lot of the standards that people think are necessary for business including SEO and social media.

“I’m really bad at SEO,” he said. “I don’t even attempt to make it work.”

It’s not that he thinks these methods are ineffective, but it’s that he has found other ways to do business successfully. He believes so strongly in this method that he encourages others to embrace it as well.

What do you think about these unconventional business practices?

WebProNews is partnering with BlogWorld and New Media Expo, the world’s first and largest new media conference, in an effort to broadcast how new media can grow your business, brand, and audience. BlogWorld takes place November 3-5 in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to WebProNews for much more exclusive coverage.