So you wanna be a sales rock star?

April 30, 2010 at 08:00 PM
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One of the things that Michael Jackson was most known for as an entertainer was making everything he did look easy. Come on, I bet you thought you could moonwalk too until you gave it a try.

Was he blessed with natural ability? No doubt. However, it was his intense drive to be absolutely perfect that allowed him to get up on stage, dance and sing in a way that set him apart from the legions of other talented performers. This is clearly demonstrated in the film "This Is It" in which he makes a mistake during a practice and says matter-of-factly, "This is why we practice." In Michael Jackson's world, there was no room for error, and it was his calling in life to give his audience perfection every time.

The fact is that the cream of the crop of the entertainment world all have one thing in common. They have a work ethic that far exceeds their peers. What does this fact have to do with selling? Everything!

If you want to be a "rock star" when it comes to sales, it's going to take a heck of a lot more than just having the "gift of gab" or an impressive pedigree. Sure, these things will give you a leg up, but they won't separate you from the countless others out there who also call themselves "sales professionals."

The irony is that it's often the individual who doesn't have the degree from the prestigious school or the thick Rolodex of industry contacts who brings in the big business. Instead of resting on their laurels, they know that they need to work extra hard if they're going to succeed. They are the ones who hone their skills, work harder, practice more, hustle day in and day out and also make it look easy.

Not everyone is cut out to be a rock star. Most don't have the dedication to put their dues in to reach that level of success. That's OK. However, if you want to be the "one" who reaches the pinnacle of success, expect to work harder than the others. Put in your time with more work, practice and training just like a true rock star, and you'll begin to hear the applause of new clients and more business.

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