Should Solar Sales People and Crew Be Smoking Cigarettes? Probably Not.

Solar is perceived to be a “clean” energy source, and yet that “clean” reputation can be quickly diminished or eliminated when a salesman enters a home or business smelling like cigarette smoke.

I was at a solar networking meeting recently, and I was surprised to see two sales people lighting up outside. I have a feeling this is not typical, but just in case, let me explain why I believe solar employees who smoke are bad for solar business.

Even if you have competitive prices, I wouldn’t be surprised if you or your salesperson wouldn’t convert more leads without the smell of cigarettes following you to all of your leads. There are other considerations as well.

Think about this: Non smokers in America far outnumber smokers these days, and green-minded home owners are also less likely to smoke. So the chances are pretty high that the majority of your leads are going to be nonsmokers who are subconsciously, if not consciously, negatively judging you by being a smoker. In today's culture, smokers are no longer considered cool, but perhaps "slick." You want prospects to trust you, not be suspicious that you may be offering a bad deal. Like it or not, smokers can give off that stereotype. 

What if the client smokes? Then is it okay? Naturally, if a client offers you a cigarette and you smoke, of course. But that’s only one client. The chances are that you’re going to be following more than one lead that day. Are you going to go home and shower and change your clothes so that you can smell fresh and smoke free for any new leads or contract signings? I doubt it.

Some might argue that these two solar salespeople that I saw were smoking off the job, and yet anyone who knows a smoker knows that the smoke infuses clothes and breath 24/7. I think you’re only fooling yourself if you believe it's something you can hide, even if you’re a “1 pack a week” smoker.

What about the crew installing after the sale? Are they exempt from this rule? I would argue that any crewmember smoking on the jobsite is once again giving your solar company a contradictory reputation to “clean air” and “clean energy.” Neighbors watching the installation might be inspired to get a quote, but call a rival company because they don’t want cigarette butts on their lawn or the smell of smoke around their children.

I won’t even touch on the health issues of smoking that might require more sick days, higher insurance premiums, and lower worker productivity.  

Clearly, I don’t support smoking, but please don’t take this advice personally. The point of my blog is and has always been to help you sell more solar. Despite the rise in solar sales, solar is still a tough sell and hightly competitive. Why make the sale any more difficult or lose a customer for the sake of cigarette? If you’re a salesperson who smokes and you’re wondering why some leads don’t convert, consider a smoking cessation program, if not for your own health, then for your solar business.  

Tor Valenza aka “Solar Fred” advises solar companies on marketing, communications, and public relations and is a partner at solar referral service SolarPowerRocks.com. Contact him through REWorld or follow him on Twitter @SolarFred.