The ability to effectively communicate an idea is as important as the idea itself. Facility managers are called on to perform an incredible variety of tasks taking into account a diverse group of stakeholders and multiple competing priorities. Becoming a powerful influencer and sharpening one's skills of persuasion will prove to be a fundamental and foundational element in building a successful career. When one thinks about what he/she does on a daily basis the idea of sales is probably the furthest thing from his/her mind. But consider the fact that for much of the day one is trying to convince people to do a variety of things. Some of what one is asking is being received by willing ears and minds, but in a number of cases one is going to have to do some convincing. That's where the sales part comes in. The key motivation for all effective sales is that it's always about helping.