Welcome to the Drink Coffee, Make Friends Podcast! Learn from My 3 Decades in Professional Selling
Welcome, listeners, to a podcast that’s brewed to perfection – the Drink Coffee, Make Friends Podcast! I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you, drawing from my nearly three decades of experience in the world of professional selling. And let me tell you upfront, I’ve walked through numerous pitfalls and made my fair share of mistakes. But guess what? That’s exactly why I’m here – to share my insights, lessons, and stories to help you navigate your sales journey more smoothly.
My mission is simple yet profound: to equip you with the knowledge and wisdom I’ve acquired over the years so you can sidestep the common pitfalls that tripped me up. But let’s face it, mistakes are part and parcel of growth. Many times, it’s when we stumble that we truly learn and grow. So, don’t be afraid of making mistakes – embrace them as your stepping stones to success.
From “carrying a kit and cold-calling small businesses – selling face-to-face in the aisles of mom-and-pop shops or amidst the clatter of construction yards – to orchestrating deals in the commanding heights of corporate boardrooms, my sales journey has covered the entire spectrum. I’ve transitioned from transacting small services to orchestrating multi-year, multi-million-dollar solution sales. And at every phase, I’ve gathered invaluable lessons that I’m excited to share.
Let’s kick off this podcast journey by delving into the tale of my very first sales call – a complete failure that would make even the most seasoned salesperson cringe. Picture this: me, a novice, walking up to a business owner with shaky knees and an even shakier voice. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. But that failure became my catalyst for growth. I resolved not to throw in the towel and instead moved on to the next prospect. And guess what? Persistence paid off, and I smashed the company’s record for a new hire’s first week.
So, what was my mistake? Succumbing to the pressure of the sales call. And from that mishap emerges our first old-school life lesson: The Three S’s – Some Will, Some Won’t, So What. In the sales arena and in life, you’ll encounter a fair share of rejections. But here’s the golden nugget – it’s okay. The Three S’s remind us that not everyone has to agree with us. Staying true to our values and principles is fine if others differ in opinion. Their “no” doesn’t define you, and it certainly doesn’t define them. It’s a matter of timing and alignment.
So, grab your coffee and join me on this exciting journey. Let’s learn, share, and grow together as we explore the art and science of selling. We’ll cover everything from mindset shifts to strategic approaches, from captivating brand stories to nailing your pitch.
Thank you for tuning in, and remember – the best stories often start with a stumble.
Stay tuned for our first episode, coming soon!
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