Have you ever realized when you hear the words "the secrets" to success associated within an advertisement, whether the product they are selling is related to sales, health, wealth, or whatever; that "the secret" is not really a secret? In most cases "the secret" can be found among those we would classify as successes long before our time; and secondly if it were truly a "secret" it wouldn't be published for public consumption. Interesting thought, but I digress...
As for two necessary ingredients in Sales Success, these two items originate back from Jesus and His disciples. In the book of Luke, chapter 9 and the first 9 verses - you can read how Jesus instructs his disciples. Let's translate these verses over to the business world... A sales manager calls his team together to discuss their new marketing plan and what the strategy is going to be to take it to consumers. The wise manager gives only two points of action before sending out his team. These two points could revoltionize any sales person's career if followed.
Here's the first... HAVE FAITH. Sounds too simple doesn't it? Have faith in what you are selling. Have faith in your provider. Have faith in your ability. Before we run out and purchase all the latest gadgets, sales tools, software, etc... we need to simply have faith that we already have what is necessary to be successful. What do I mean? Before all of the other shiny things we can purchase that promise our success, we are given the ability to be disciplined in hard work and have a positive mental attitude. Ensure that these are working properly before rushing to other things that possibly can enhance your sales career. Jesus tells his disciples in these verses to leave everything behind - "take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money". He is simply saying all that is needed for our journey we already have. Have faith that you are doing what you are called to do and then do it wholeheartedly.
Secondly... The wise manager knows that his team will be met with objections. His advice? When a town does not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet against them. In other words... KEEP GOING AND DON'T GIVE UP. Being told "no" is a common term that successfull sales people hear. Being struck out is a common event in a hall of fame baseball homerun hitter too. You don't dwell in your misery. You shake it off and move on.
After sharing these two strategies the wise manager closed the sales meeting, dismissed his staff and they proceeded to change the world. If you and I adhere to his advice, we can change our world too.
