What motivates you to sell?

36 replies
What are your underlying motivations to sell?
#motivates #sell
  • the dopamine rush

    it's always been a skill for me

    I don't know if that answered your question though
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619097].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    Besides money?

    Many many years ago, I broke records, because I thought I would enjoy recognition.

    For the last 20 years? Just money.

    It's like professional speaking. Travel, applause.....they wear off pretty quick. After a year or so, it's really about the money.

    If I have any lingering emotions about it, it's that I have a pathological dislike for incompetent salespeople. So I sell more, to separate myself from the crowd.

    I still enjoy teaching sales, though. It's a sense of obligation. And I get a small thrill when someone pays attention and learns something.
    Signature
    One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

    What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619107].message }}
    • oh yeah.

      the money I make and how little time it really is selling then outsourcing.

      can do anywhere

      no one tells me what to do

      I can call anybody anywhere

      satisfaction that I do what most can't or want

      that it's like sports - performance based

      that all I need is the phone and the internet to sell any product any service

      freedom to pick and choose clients

      learning about new niches and becoming an expert
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619117].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
        The hunt.

        It's like you are out in the wild, turning over stone upon stone. Then, you turn over a stone & some wild beast lashes out at you from a hole. Then, you wrestle with that beast until all of the sudden, the beast is now docile...your friend even. Then, you lead the beast to your village and it allows you to milk it & lay eggs to feed your family for a long time. It even begins to attract more tame beasts like itself to feed your entire village.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619703].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by qu4rk View Post

          The hunt.

          It's like you are out in the wild, turning over stone upon stone. Then, you turn over a stone & some wild beast lashes out at you from a hole. Then, you wrestle with that beast until all of the sudden, the beast is now docile...your friend even. Then, you lead the beast to your village and it allows you to milk it & lay eggs to feed your family for a long time. It even begins to attract more tame beasts like itself to feed your entire village.
          For the first 15 or 20 years, it was like that for me too.

          To me, it was like I was a tiger, looking for slow deer. It was the hunt. I wasn't even happier when I made a sale. The chase was everything.

          But I never taught anyone that this is how I felt. I didn't think it was transferable.
          Signature
          One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

          What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619895].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            For the first 15 or 20 years, it was like that for me too.

            To me, it was like I was a tiger, looking for slow deer. It was the hunt. I wasn't even happier when I made a sale. The chase was everything.

            But I never taught anyone that this is how I felt. I didn't think it was transferable.
            Yes, it's not transferable because it's inside of us all. It's just that most people have so many things cover it up inside (world views & belief structures mainly), that once in a while there is a rare person like you, who does not have it covered up.

            And, from reading your posts, it looks like you don't have to go hunting anymore, bud. So, kudos to you for getting to that point in life.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620011].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
              Originally Posted by qu4rk View Post

              Yes, it's not transferable because it's inside of us all. It's just that most people have so many things cover it up inside (world views & belief structures mainly), that once in a while there is a rare person like you, who does not have it covered up.

              And, from reading your posts, it looks like you don't have to go hunting anymore, bud. So, kudos to you for getting to that point in life.
              It's not transferable, but is it "bring outable" or "uncoverable" if you were so inclined
              as a business owner or sales manager with a newer rep, or with a struggling rep?
              Signature

              "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620060].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

                It's not transferable, but is it "bring outable" or "uncoverable" if you were so inclined
                as a business owner or sales manager with a newer rep, or with a struggling rep?
                Some would call it a "killer instinct". A burning inner desire to get the sale.

                I don't think you can create it in people, and I wouldn't know how to discover it, except by their actions.

                If you ask the rep "Why are you selling?', you'll hear what they think you want to hear, or what they think puts them in the best light.

                And people with that "Hunter" mentality aren't always the best reps. For example, if you aren't a hunter yourself, a strong hunter can disrupt the rest of the sales force.

                In my experience, I would take a new rep, or a struggling rep, show them a few sales (meaning I would let them watch me make a few sales) and then I would watch them on an appointment. It would be very obvious if they were getting it, or if they weren't suited for the job.

                If we went on their leads, I would pay them a commission on what I sold. If it were my lead, I wouldn't. Stringing a bad rep along, just hoping they will change, is a colossal waste of time, in my experience. I've only seen one rep ever go from really unmotivated, to really motivated.
                Signature
                One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

                What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9621352].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  .
                  And people with that "Hunter" mentality aren't always the best reps. For example, if you aren't a hunter yourself, a strong hunter can disrupt the rest of the sales force.
                  Claude, I'm just curious: what do you mean by that?
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9631022].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                    Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                    Claude, I'm just curious: what do you mean by that?
                    Hunters are predators. The leader of the group needs to be a stronger predator, or the rep will see weakness, and cause disruptions. It could be berating the other reps, challenging the manager's authority, misrepresenting the offer.

                    I've been in a few offices where the best rep taunts the manager, and belittles him. It's because the manager is weak, and doesn't control the situation.

                    Hunters respect stronger hunters.

                    When I say "Hunter", I don't just mean a person that is ambitious. I mean a person who is driven, and sees the prospects as prey. To a real hunter mentality, they are driven by primal drives. Everyone around them is either a potential mate, a potential customer (or prey), or the competition.

                    Underneath...at my core, I'm a predator. I soften it to make it more palatable, but it's how I think, with rare exception.

                    For example, several people here have had real conversations with me. I tend to dominate the conversation. It isn't conscious, but it's a inner need to display dominance.
                    Some people think it's leadership, but it's not.

                    I have to constantly watch my interactions, because it can be very offputting.

                    I have a great friend, who is kind, generous, and a great human being. But I can tell that he's thinking like a hunter, all the time. The only reason we get along so well, is that neither one of us is potential prey to the other.

                    By "Prey", I mean someone who can benefit you. But deep down, it's an animal drive.
                    Signature
                    One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

                    What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9631139].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author socialentry
          For me, an awareness of greater history.

          I just want to do great things.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619984].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

      For the last 20 years? Just money.
      This is really such a deep insight. People think just doing something for the money is simple or obvious. But really, it isn't.

      For me at least, it wasn't until I really understood the value of making money and what it can do for my life, that I became much more successful.

      People who are struggling (just like I was) probably don't really have a grasp on how good money is. It's good. So good. It's like a foundation on which we can build a truly happy life unlike at any other time human history!

      Once I got past all the other stuff holding me back, and realized how beautiful money is, everything changed. Yes I love helping clients. I love serving people. I get a great deal of joy from the process of earning the money.

      But in the end....it's the money. Serving them makes me happy because I know if I do a truly excellent job, I get to have more money in my life.

      Now, instead of just using money to house and feed my son, I am really trying ingrain in him how wonderful it is to have money. I want him to understand that he will grow up and he will either have money, or he will not, and the choice is up to him. I want him to choose to have money.
      Signature
      Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620017].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thet
    To be honest, because I rolled into it.

    I got a job as a recruiter, which was a salesjob. I did not know that, which was stupid research on my part. I had to make a lot of cold calls a day.. I sucked badly.

    However, I cant stand it when I suck. So I started reading a ton, now I got a little bit better.

    With sales, there is a KAIZEN element that interests me. Improving, Improving, Improving

    And to be completely honest,
    I want to be able to buy a porsche some day..

    Money is a terrible motivator. But, being able to provide for my family is what keeps me going.
    Signature

    Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
    — Charlie Munger

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9619112].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maverick8
    Money and this is going sound like i have a massive ego. But my service and the tracking i offer has such great measurable impact on businesses its fantastic knowing that your better than just about everyone else, and that i am helping businesses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620068].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
      Originally Posted by maverick8 View Post

      Money and this is going sound like i have a massive ego. But my service and the tracking i offer has such great measurable impact on businesses its fantastic knowing that your better than just about everyone else, and that i am helping businesses.
      I'm out of thanks for the day.

      "It ain't bragging if it's true."
      Signature

      "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620091].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    To me money is not the main gig anymore and have moved passed that. A while back now I purposely quit and walked away from the money focus per se, and yes money is good and yes most people here would earn many times the average.

    But for me it was the wrong focus, so now my main reasons are for family freinds and people in general, and by that my focus is not money but being with my family or working on ways that helps other people and not expecting any financial return for that, the money is a secondary result and the money seems to take of itself and works itself out just as well and if not better than before.
    Signature
    | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9620190].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mojo1
    My motivation is without a doubt money and to be able to show my daughters
    as a wife and mother, how to be self sufficient and never be the weaker one financially in a relationship.

    Oh and to be able to tell my husband to go take a hike off of the tallest mountain the next time he says: I don't have to answer to you, do you pay the bills

    As soon as I get out of my own head and into using the information from Claude's books I'll be there.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9621464].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author karlstech
    Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

    What are your underlying motivations to sell?
    My motivations are in this order:

    1. Getting the feeling of that I've helped someone by selling a product.
    2. Getting paid by doing so.
    3. Selling a product drives me, hence giving me more motivation to sell another copy.

    It's very simple and straightforward when thinking about it. The hard part is actually convincing the buyer that your product is worth both their money and time, with the latter being more important in a sense. You can always get your money back one way or another, but a waste of time is a waste of life and non-refundable.

    It's interesting to see people's opinions and motivations on the matter!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9621513].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Svensonia
    The drive that comes along with it. The thrill you get by seeing more and more money landing in your account with the more effort you put into it. The crazy feeling you get when you know you helped others and still receive money. The way you earn MORE by doing LESS over time.

    IM is amazinng.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9622610].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matt Lee
    I'm a single dad, have been since my son was 3. Now he's 10. I made a decision back then that if i was ever going to do anything worthwhile with my life, I had to get my ass in gear.

    So my motivation is security - knowing that my son has his college paid, we can take trips when we want & not worry about bills. Healthcare, etc. I know that security boils down to having money, but why else are you self employed? There's a lot of good reasons, but i think most or all of them are secondary benefits to being financially good to go.
    Signature
    "One of the Most Successful Offline WSO's Ever!
    Get More High $$$ Clients with this Small Business Marketing PLR Magazine
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9622644].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author misterme
    For me, it's the power. Power, I said! Power to walk into the gold vaults of the nations, into the secrets of kings, into the Holy of Holies! Power to make multitudes run squealing in terror at the touch of my little invisible finger. Why, even the moon's frightened of me, frightened to death!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9631141].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      For me, it's the power. Power, I said! Power to walk into the gold vaults of the nations, into the secrets of kings, into the Holy of Holies! Power to make multitudes run squealing in terror at the touch of my little invisible finger. Why, even the moon's frightened of me, frightened to death!
      I find it repulsive that you just copy what I say to you...word for word.

      By the way, I immediately read that in Jon Lovitz's voice as Tommy Flanagan, the Pathological Liar.
      Signature
      One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

      What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9631175].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      For me, it's the power. Power, I said! Power to walk into the gold vaults of the nations, into the secrets of kings, into the Holy of Holies! Power to make multitudes run squealing in terror at the touch of my little invisible finger. Why, even the moon's frightened of me, frightened to death!
      Now we know what misterme really looks like:

      http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/...42-dr.evil.jpg
      Signature

      "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9631184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bugattyboy
    Just money, is obvious, and also learning new sales methods is always interesting and fun
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9636483].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thet
    Did a bit more thinking.

    Beside what I already said about this, it's something that would be a major challenge for me to master. Like, I am a bit autistic, I don't understand social cues that well. I am super introverted (couldnt be happier when reading a book or having a deep conversation). I have super complex thoughts about everything.

    And exactly that is the reason I want to master sales. It would be a major achievement to look back in 10 years (far deep in the 10.000 hours rule) and say: "I did that shit".

    Money you can get in every job if you are good enough at is. My nephew is head of finance. He makes 100k+ a year. A friend of mine is a director of a company, he makes 10k a month and does little selling (depending on what you exactly call selling)
    Signature

    Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
    — Charlie Munger

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9636496].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by thet View Post

      Did a bit more thinking.

      Beside what I already said about this, it's something that would be a major challenge for me to master. Like, I am a bit autistic, I don't understand social cues that well. I am super introverted (couldnt be happier when reading a book or having a deep conversation). I have super complex thoughts about everything.

      And exactly that is the reason I want to master sales. It would be a major achievement to look back in 10 years (far deep in the 10.000 hours rule) and say: "I did that shit".

      Money you can get in every job if you are good enough at is. My nephew is head of finance. He makes 100k+ a year. A friend of mine is a director of a company, he makes 10k a month and does little selling (depending on what you exactly call selling)
      You have a huge advantage over others. You'll learn sales techniques and understand them intellectually. You'll study human nature, body language, and social cues. You'll learn how to tell if someone is telling you the truth.

      Having social skills is a huge detriment to high level sales ability. Why? Because high level selling is not intuitive. It's complex. It requires a whole spectrum of related skills, and areas of understanding.

      At first, it will take you more work to even begin to make a living. But eventually, you'll surpass even the most talented of your competition.

      Or you'll quit. Most quit.

      You think being a tad autistic is bad? Try being incapable of feeling empathy. You have to learn how to sell as a purely intellectual endeavor, not a social one.

      10,000 hours sounds about right. But I promise you, it's worth it.
      Signature
      One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

      What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9636604].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
        Originally Posted by thet View Post

        Did a bit more thinking.

        Beside what I already said about this, it's something that would be a major challenge for me to master. Like, I am a bit autistic, I don't understand social cues that well. I am super introverted (couldnt be happier when reading a book or having a deep conversation). I have super complex thoughts about everything.

        And exactly that is the reason I want to master sales. It would be a major achievement to look back in 10 years (far deep in the 10.000 hours rule) and say: "I did that shit".

        Money you can get in every job if you are good enough at is. My nephew is head of finance. He makes 100k+ a year. A friend of mine is a director of a company, he makes 10k a month and does little selling (depending on what you exactly call selling)
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        You have a huge advantage over others. You'll learn sales techniques and understand them intellectually. You'll study human nature, body language, and social cues. You'll learn how to tell if someone is telling you the truth.

        Having social skills is a huge detriment to high level sales ability. Why? Because high level selling is not intuitive. It's complex. It requires a whole spectrum of related skills, and areas of understanding.

        At first, it will take you more work to even begin to make a living. But eventually, you'll surpass even the most talented of your competition.

        Or you'll quit. Most quit.

        You think being a tad autistic is bad? Try being incapable of feeling empathy. You have to learn how to sell as a purely intellectual endeavor, not a social one.

        10,000 hours sounds about right. But I promise you, it's worth it.
        I have read many times that the ones who become successful are the ones who have to work hard at it.
        Not usually the ones who the field of endeavor comes easy to them.

        <><>

        I worked in the home mortgage business and one of the top sales guys was the Hunter type and really, really
        direct and blunt. Usually a turn off to a lot of people. But I noted that he had learned to be careful about it.
        I liked and respected him more than the other two partners. He had been in the business at least 15 years and
        easily made 50k a month in that cyclical business - probably 20k during his slow months.

        I don't know if he was autistic, lacked empathy, or was dyslexic, but he certainly learned to quickly tell when
        someone winced at what he said and then explain things a lot better.

        That business requires someone to be good at handling people because you are dealing with the most expensive thing that most people buy. There is a lot of tension over the deal, and can be a lot of tension between couples. You also get to know quite a lot about people on a very personal level. (Most need a financial advisor because they really think paying bills on time is about all there is to good money management. /rant)
        Signature

        "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9636679].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author thet
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        You have a huge advantage over others. You'll learn sales techniques and understand them intellectually. You'll study human nature, body language, and social cues. You'll learn how to tell if someone is telling you the truth.

        Having social skills is a huge detriment to high level sales ability. Why? Because high level selling is not intuitive. It's complex. It requires a whole spectrum of related skills, and areas of understanding.

        At first, it will take you more work to even begin to make a living. But eventually, you'll surpass even the most talented of your competition.

        Or you'll quit. Most quit.

        You think being a tad autistic is bad? Try being incapable of feeling empathy. You have to learn how to sell as a purely intellectual endeavor, not a social one.

        10,000 hours sounds about right. But I promise you, it's worth it.
        In investing you have the term "sunk cost". Huge problem for most investors. However, it might be a big motivator for people in the sense that you dont want to have gone trough all the pain, crying nights about how bad you suck to have been a waste.

        I am a bit more then 6 months in sales now. I can only imagine how much people can grow if they stick to something for more then 10 years. But most don't.

        It's interesting to think about why.

        In the book Drive, from author Daniel Pink he talks about what motivates people in work
        It's Purpose, it's atonomy and mastery.

        Mastery takes a long time, I think it was Robert Green who said that Gladwell was wrong, and that it doesn't take 10.000 hours to be great at something, but perhaps even 20.000.

        There is no way in telling how long it really takes in exact numbers. But unfortunately not everybody has the heart to continue for that long, especially when they believe they suck at what they do. They don't see progression, not knowing that progression comes with plateaus.

        Maybe it's the ADHD world we live in, where the grass is always greener and where it's easy to jump from 1 thing to the next.

        Woops, rant. but you got me thinking.
        Signature

        Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
        — Charlie Munger

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9637613].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by thet View Post

          They don't see progression, not knowing that progression comes with plateaus.
          The plateaus only occur when you stop learning. If you continue to study selling as a subject, and continue applying what you learn...there are no plateaus, although the learning curve eventually tends to flatten a bit.

          Slumps are caused by inactivity, no matter what the salesperson thinks is the reason.

          And burnout is caused by a lack of stimulation. I've never seen a salesperson suffer from burnout, when they were learning something new. And there is always something new to learn.
          Signature
          One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

          What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9637782].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            Slumps are caused by inactivity, no matter what the salesperson thinks is the reason.

            And burnout is caused by a lack of stimulation. I've never seen a salesperson suffer from burnout, when they were learning something new. And there is always something new to learn.
            Claude,

            Whole books have been written about "slumps" and "burnout" and what to do about them
            and you just summarized the solution, as well as anybody could. No need to read the
            book.

            I have yanked salespeople out of of their chair and onto the street where I'd knock
            doors with them. We ended the "slump" that day, right then and there.

            Love your "fire in the belly" attitude, Claude.

            It's the only way to fly!

            Thet: Forget about how long it's going to take to "master" sales and just get to it.
            Too much talking and thinking gets in the way of doing. Spend 80% of your time doing.

            Things that you can add to your approach and your presentation will come to you as you
            are working, honing your skills.

            Start early and work late is the best advice I can give to someone just getting started.
            Whenever you're "done for the day", make one more call. Why? Those extra calls add
            up to additional sales that you wouldn't have had. Those extra sales will help propel you
            forward faster than anything else.

            Go for it, Thet. The only thing holding you back from being a top-dog salesman--is you.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9638229].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            The plateaus only occur when you stop learning. If you continue to study selling as a subject, and continue applying what you learn...there are no plateaus, although the learning curve eventually tends to flatten a bit.

            Slumps are caused by inactivity, no matter what the salesperson thinks is the reason.

            And burnout is caused by a lack of stimulation. I've never seen a salesperson suffer from burnout, when they were learning something new. And there is always something new to learn.
            Learning more and knowing more about something is a great way to get motivation for any kind of job.

            When you say there is always something new to learn, are you talking strictly about sales knowledge and
            techniques, developing new products or services or strategies, or switching to a completely different field
            (but still selling)? (Or some combination?)

            <><><>

            Maybe for a different thread, but still related to sales motivation and helpful to newer salespeople. What are the key differences between selling to businesses and selling to consumers?
            Signature

            "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9639263].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

              Learning more and knowing more about something is a great way to get motivation for any kind of job.

              When you say there is always something new to learn, are you talking strictly about sales knowledge and
              techniques, developing new products or services or strategies, or switching to a completely different field
              (but still selling)? (Or some combination?)

              <><><>

              Maybe for a different thread, but still related to sales motivation and helpful to newer salespeople. What are the key differences between selling to businesses and selling to consumers?
              I'll create a thread for selling to consumers VS business.

              How do you learn more about selling?

              I used to ride with top salespeople in unrelated fields. I'd spend a day with them, and they would spend a day with me. Nearly always, we both learned something. Every once in awhile, I would learn something that dramatically improved how I sold, or where I prospected.

              I read and study books in related fields;
              Psychology
              Marketing
              Biographies of great salespeople, and leaders
              Brain science
              NLP
              How to sell in different fields. For example, I don't sell life insurance or stocks...but in nearly every book on how to sell these things, I pick up several useful ideas...that I use in the field.
              Hypnosis
              Seduction (which is literally selling)
              Brain pathology
              Logic and critical thinking (A big one for me)
              Group selling (speaking)
              Language and how to sculpt phrases for the greatest effect.

              And more.

              There is always someone who knows more that you or I do. And usually they have written a book about it.

              About 80% of all salespeople have never read a single book on selling.

              And that helps explain why people aren't buying.

              I joined Match.com, and spent a day comparing descriptions of men and woman at different ages. It's revealing to discover what a 25 year old thinks about...and how different that is from a 40 year old, or a retired person.

              I watch presentations (live and on video) for different products and services...every price point...every type of customer. I always learn something.


              If you are going to spend the time selling, you may as well be great at it.


              Added a tad later; I used to go to fairs and watch the pitches. I saw a guy sell kitchen knives, that I bought for 80 cents, for $20 each. He was pretty good at it. I watched how he gathered crowds, by keeping a few people from the last crowd. How he built value, created scarcity.

              When we got home, my Step-daughter had bought two, and gave us one. I didn't tell her...or my wife, that I had hundreds in the garage...that I gave away as gifts.
              Signature
              One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

              What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9640016].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
                Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                I'll create a thread for selling to consumers VS business.

                How do you learn more about selling?

                I used to ride with top salespeople in unrelated fields. I'd spend a day with them, and they would spend a day with me. Nearly always, we both learned something. Every once in awhile, I would learn something that dramatically improved how I sold, or where I prospected.

                I read and study books in related fields;
                Psychology
                Marketing
                Biographies of great salespeople, and leaders
                Brain science
                NLP
                How to sell in different fields. For example, I don't sell life insurance or stocks...but in nearly every book on how to sell these things, I pick up several useful ideas...that I use in the field.
                Hypnosis
                Seduction (which is literally selling)
                Brain pathology
                Logic and critical thinking (A big one for me)
                Group selling (speaking)
                Language and how to sculpt phrases for the greatest effect.

                And more.

                There is always someone who knows more that you or I do. And usually they have written a book about it.

                About 80% of all salespeople have never read a single book on selling.

                And that helps explain why people aren't buying.

                I joined Match.com, and spent a day comparing descriptions of men and woman at different ages. It's revealing to discover what a 25 year old thinks about...and how different that is from a 40 year old, or a retired person.

                I watch presentations (live and on video) for different products and services...every price point...every type of customer. I always learn something.


                If you are going to spend the time selling, you may as well be great at it.


                Added a tad later; I used to go to fairs and watch the pitches. I saw a guy sell kitchen knives, that I bought for 80 cents, for $20 each. He was pretty good at it. I watched how he gathered crowds, by keeping a few people from the last crowd. How he built value, created scarcity.

                When we got home, my Step-daughter had bought two, and gave us one. I didn't tell her...or my wife, that I had hundreds in the garage...that I gave away as gifts.
                I record and analyze commercials. I am on thousands of DM lists
                - so many my mailman hates me. I read all of it.

                The important people in my life call it a fetish ... I call it learning.

                For 99% of the advertising I am immune to the pitch itself.
                Occasionally ( about once a year ) Something sparks and I want to buy.

                Those are the ones I really, really pay attention to

                For instance - Taco Bell - I don't like Taco Bell, however every single
                time a taco bell commercial comes on - I want to drop everything
                and go buy taco bell.

                So far - I have no idea why. Hopefully one day I will figure it out.
                I have looked at the ones from before they changed marketing companies
                they don't spark any interest ... only the ones from the last few years do.

                crazy eh?

                All of it is good to learn from - even the bad stuff.
                Signature

                Selling Ain't for Sissies!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9640624].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    Hey claude, are there any of the top salespeople that didn't really know how to explain what they were doing?said a variation of :"It's easy, it's personal charisma."

    And how do you take anything from psychology? They have like 13 different schools all contradicting each other. As a science, it's rather dismal.

    And how can something as brain science help you sell?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9640219].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

      Hey claude, are there any of the top salespeople that didn't really know how to explain what they were doing?said a variation of :"It's easy, it's personal charisma."
      First, smart questions.
      It's possible to reach a very high level in selling, by just trial and error. Some salespeople, even at high levels, attribute their success to charisma, but it's usually that they are very sharp, and learned things along the way. Studying selling just shortens that curve. And the people that are "naturals" (at least the ones I've met) aren't really at the top levels. They are doing very well, but they are plateauing, when they could be growing.

      Some great salespeople had Mentors, and that can take the place of learning from other sources.....but one Mentor, limits what you learn. I can't remember a truly star salesperson who didn't make selling a study, not just a vocation.



      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

      And how do you take anything from psychology? They have like 13 different schools all contradicting each other. As a science, it's rather dismal.

      And how can something as brain science help you sell?
      There are tons of psychiatric theories. And many Pop Psychology books promoting each one. Psyhology is more art than science, and many people writing the books are not even trained. These men aren't gods. Just because some are educated, doesn't mean that what they learned isn't wrong. They have their pet theories. This is where critical thinking comes into play. Critical thinking is more important than any theory, because it keeps you from believing things without good evidence. So, you read stories of treatments, anecdotal evidence. You have to ignore all that. It's about the principle involved. Can you find a flaw? If there is any flaw in the reasoning presented in an argument, or a book...you have to discard the whole idea presented

      So....I read about Primal Scream, EST, Scientology, Transactional Analysis, Silva Mind Control...I hear terms like inner child, left brain/right brain, emotional intelligence, Freudian slip, and enneagram.

      You have to be careful. Every claim has to be examined. You look for contradictions, flaws in reasoning, sloppy thinking.

      When I study psychiatric books, I'm looking for causes for behavior. And sometimes, the cause is wrong. But I keep looking. Recently I count more on brain pathology, it's a much more exact science...and it explains most activities we go through.

      Remember, the mind is what the brain does.
      Signature
      One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

      What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9640365].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Claude,

    I want to thank you for your story about the knives, but I already thanked the post. LOL

    Dan
    Signature

    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9640224].message }}

Trending Topics