There’s a lot of talk of sales tactics and strategy, cadences, AI, CRMs, and tracking, but besides “smile while you dial,” I haven’t heard too much talk of the internal game of sales since Dale Carnegie. The classics would talk about mindset, Napolean Hill, OG Mandango, but I feel like the more recent sales books would talk more about the internet, tools, etc. Maybe it’s a fad chase? Anyways, take care of yourself.
I am not sure if it was my Dad who I sold with for 6 years or Dale Carnegie, but “people like working with happy successful people” has always bounced around in my head. I am not saying you can have problems, but sort them out with friends and loved ones and get back in the game. Know which “sales” friends you can have fun and gab with about your personal life too.
Sales is innately hard and polar, you are going to be high and low, plus you may have to present a “false” personality at times, and that can be taxing emotionally. As best you can, try and stay as true to your character as you can for the long game. I do think salespeople are at their best when they approach it more like a blue-collar trade. Punch in move everything forward, even if it’s an inch, punch out, do the same. Next thing you know you’ve built the Hoover Damn. Nothing amazing happens overnight.
Also, figure out how to stay at the table. I saw this from a place of humility with a lot to learn about Finances. Still, try to live behind your means. A sales manager may be happy when you have a new car payment to cover, but you may be pushing deals that won’t play well in the long run, or you may under-bid a project. A few of those are fine, but the world’s often much smaller than we think, and industries are ran by a handful of people. Play the long game.
