Personal selling occurs when a company representative interacts directly with a customer or prospective customer to present information about a product or service. It is a process of developing relationships, discovering needs, matching the appropriate products with these needs, and communicating benefits through informing, reminding, or persuading. Preparation for a career in personal selling begins with the development of a personal philosophy or set of beliefs that provides guidance. To some degree, this philosophy is like the rudder that steers a ship. Without a rudder, the ship’s direction is unpredictable. Without a personal philosophy, the salesperson’s behavior also is unpredictable.