Matt Tatum on Sales and Marketing
In this episode, Brandon Giella and Parker Smith discuss sales and marketing with guest Matt Tatum. They explore the role of faith in sales and the challenges for Christians in the field. Matt Tatum shares his experiences in sales and how he grounds his identity in Jesus. Brandon and Parker also discuss the cultural mandate and the importance of cultivating relationships in sales. They touch on the challenges facing the tech industry and the need to consider the alignment of products and services with the kingdom of God.
Exploring the Intersection of Sales and Theology: A Conversation with Matt Tatum
In the latest episode of Working Theology, hosts Brandon Giella and Parker Smith sit down with Matt Tatum, a sales leader at The Starr Conspiracy, church planter, and part-time pastor. Throughout the conversation, Tatum shares insights on how his faith intersects with his work in sales and marketing.
Finding Identity in Sales
Tatum opens up about the challenge of finding identity in sales. He speaks to the tendency of tying one's worth and value to their performance, especially in an industry like sales where metrics and numbers quantify success. Tatum reminds listeners that our value and worth are not tied to our performance or power but rather to our relationship with God.
The Importance of Cultivating Relationships
The conversation also delves into the different personas and skill sets required in sales, particularly the importance of cultivating relationships. Tatum emphasizes the value of providing for a larger group of people, similar to how hunters and farmers create food sources and sustenance for their communities. He draws parallels to how Paul was a tent maker and saw the Kingdom of God in his work.
The Role of Sales and Marketing in Society
Tatum shares his perspective on the role of sales and marketing in society, highlighting how innovation, technology, and good business practices can contribute to the wellbeing of communities. He notes the importance of considering whether a product or service aligns with the values of the Kingdom of God, promoting growth and productivity while avoiding brokenness and oppression.
The conversation with Tatum highlights how faith and work can intersect in the field of sales and marketing, reminding listeners of the importance of finding identity in God and cultivating relationships.
Episode Links
Non-anxious Presence by Mark Sayers
How The World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
A prayer for salespeople
God, our gracious Father,
For those who engage in selling, help us to remember that we are stewards of the talents and opportunities you have given us, with the responsibility to seek the welfare of the people in our company, industry, and community.
May our words be filled with truth, our actions with fairness, and our intentions with purity. Enable us to treat every person with respect, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity in each individual we encounter.
Lord, give us strength to resist the allure of deceit, dishonesty, and greed that can be stumbling blocks in our industry.
We pray for hearts that seek not just to gain, but to give—to be a blessing to others. May we never forget those in need, and may we be moved to be generous with the blessings you have bestowed upon us.
Ask that our efforts would fruitful, that our hearts would be generous, and that our words would be honest and sincere.
In the context of your kingdom, would you help us to operate with the deep understanding that our value and worth is not tied to our performance or power, but rather to our relationship with the King.
It's in Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
