PAPER IN SALES
The CONTROVERSIAL
HISTORY of
Paper In Sales
BY TREVOR ARSENAULT
This very notion might raise eyebrows amongst those who haven ’ t picked up a piece of paper in a while , but dare we say it : paper , a humble sheet of possibility , holds a far more controversial and critical role in the world of sales than people might initially believe . In simple terms , paper is where ideas have been born and why some of humanity ’ s biggest debates and wars have existed . On the flip side , paper , what many may see as a simple tool , often perhaps undervalued and less preferred than a tool like a laptop , is also what has been the foundation of success for many of today ’ s biggest brands .
We ’ ll explore some history related to paper in sales and help you understand the evolution of writing on a piece of paper . This may just help you see more value in paper ’ s versatility and power in bringing ideas to life . It may also help you appreciate your notebook or favorite print publication a little more .
When we think of sales , consumers often think of digital advertising , e-commerce websites , and online reviews . But before all of this , someone , somewhere , had an idea , and for many , writing down these ideas comes more easily on paper than anywhere else . So , are we undermining the power of paper in sales ?
A CONTRACT WITH HISTORY : FROM MESOPOTAMIA TO YOUR MAILBOX
When we think of paper historically , one of the first things that may come to mind is poetry . If you ’ re a poetry enthusiast , the Epic of Gilgamesh ( c . 2150 BCE – 1400 BCE ) may come to mind . Would you be surprised if we told you that one of the common uses for paper was for the creation of contracts ?
You have the oldest known sale of real estate , c . 2000 BCE . Then we have a contract for the hire of a laborer c . 2200 BCE , and we also have a house rental contract for a one-year term , c . 2000 BCE . Just a few examples of how critical paper was in the transaction of sales . All important historical facts to explore the importance of paper in sales and transactions .
Imagine the significance and role that a simple piece of paper held during that time . That tangible receipt of a purchase ; a sense of protection , commitment , and clarity . While it ’ s never been easier to issue contracts , let ’ s not get caught up in the idea that contracts at that time had no value , because they did . The significance of this during that time would have been seen as forward-thinking innovation just as we embraced new technology and ways of doing things . Even with digital copies , there is a certain feeling of security or completeness when holding a paper contract to this day , but with the obvious challenge of backups and duplications which has been solved by computers .
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