Good post. I agree with all your points.

As a long-time salesperson (Big Pharma — recovered now, thanks) and now author (6 books out now so far) and book marketer who owns my own company, here’s what I’ve learned: selling is an awkward situation. We all recognize that selling is happening but we don’t ‘talk’ about it as it’s happening.

I’m a true believer in ‘relationship’ marketing aka build relationships with potential customers. It’s a longer process, yet it works (at least in book sales). Same as here on Medium — if someone likes your work, they’ll come back and read it and clap.