Today we’re diving deep into some advice that transcends the world of sales. I recently stumbled upon a photo of my 21-year-old self playing professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers organization. That young man was filled with fear—fear of judgment, fear of comparison, and most significantly, a fear of failure. I’m here to share the wisdom I wish I could have given my younger self and how it can change your approach to sales.
Mindset Shift #1: Take Risks and Embrace Failure:
Imagine being that 21-year-old version of yourself. What advice would you give? I’d tell him to take some risks. Life is long, and failures are just stepping stones to success. If you stumble, get back up—there’s plenty of time for recovery. Too often, we’re held back by the fear of what others might think or the dread of potential failure. In sales, this fear can be paralyzing. Are you afraid to put yourself out there and grab attention from prospects? Are you avoiding new marketing strategies because you fear the unknown? Embrace the power of taking risks.
Mindset Shift #2: Be Authentic and Stop Living by Others’ Opinions:
Are you living your sales career through the opinions of others? It’s time to stop caring about what everyone else thinks and just be yourself. Authenticity is magnetic in sales. Clients connect with real people, not personas crafted to meet others’ expectations. Whether it’s your style, your approach, or your uniqueness, let it shine. Break free from the mold that others have set for you, and watch how it transforms your interactions with prospects.
Mindset Shift #3: Decouple Self-Worth from Sales Results:
Your self-worth is not tied to your sales results. This is a crucial mindset shift that can liberate you from the emotional roller coaster tied to the ebb and flow of sales success. When the pipeline is full and deals are closing, confidence soars. But when things slow down, doubts creep in and it affects your belief in yourself. Remember, your results do not define you. You are not a bad person during a tough sales month, nor are you a great person during a stellar one. Recognize your worth independent of your sales performance.
If you want to surpass your sales goals this year, it’s not about your knowledge, skills, or the products you offer. It’s about your self-talk. Take risks, be authentic, and decouple your self-worth from your sales results. Let’s make 2024 your best year yet! I’m here to help you unleash your full potential and achieve the success you deserve.
Resources:
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- Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andyneary/
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- Connect with me on Instagram: instagram.com/andy_neary/
Business is no longer about who you know. Business is about who knows you. In a noisy industry like we’re in gang, you got to get people to know who you are.