How do you go to market if you are in sales? As a Sales Representative or as a Trusted Adviser?
The BusinessDictionary.com defines Sales Representative as a "salesperson or agent (whether or not under the direct control of a firm) authorized to solicit business for a firm, and compensated usually through a commission or salary, or a combination of both."
Jeff Goldstein (http://www.jeffgoldstein.wordpress.com) defines a Trusted Adviser as "An expert in a given subject that works with a customer / prospect to understand their problems and to help them understand how they can solve their problems, typically within the bounds of the Trusted Adviser's subject expertise and products.
Who would you rather buy from?
Check out Jeff's blog on being a Trusted Adviser: (Copy and paste this link in your browser)
http://jeffgoldstein.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/are-you-a-trusted-advisor/
I think you'll find that being a Trusted Adviser will take extra effort, time and a different mindset, but will set you apart from your competitors.