In 1992 I graduated with a B.S. in Geography from USAFA.
In 1993 I graduated with a B.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M.
In 2006 I became The Sales Whisperer®.
Aurgh?
Your Input Determines Your Output
While still on active duty in the Air Force, I was preparing for a career in sales.
I began reading
- Zig Ziglar's "Secrets of Closing the Sale",
- Tom Hopkins "How to Master the Art of Selling" (I was thrilled to have him on The Sales Podcast),
- Tony Robbins (Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!),
- Brian Tracey (The Psychology of Selling: Increase Your Sales Faster and Easier Than You Ever Thought Possible),
- Jim Rohn (7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher).
Reading Sets You Apart
According to a study conducted in 2013 by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, 32 million U.S. adults cannot read. That’s 14% of the population.
Another 21% of ADULTS read below a 5th-grade level.
50% of adults can’t read a book written at an 8th-grade level. (That's why you need to keep your writing simple.)
And more are coming because 19% of high school graduates can’t read!
28% of adults didn’t read a book in the last year.
Whatever You Focus On Grows
I began listening to tapes and CDs in the early 90s, long before podcasts and blog posts existed.
I attended conferences where I could hear these people speak and meet them and meet other like-minded doers like myself, so I knew I wasn't alone.
I treated—and treat—selling as a profession.
I treat EFFECTIVE inbound marketing as a profession.
As a professional sales trainer, I seek continuous professional sales training and marketing training.
I commiserate with other professional salespeople, entrepreneurs, business owners, and doers.
I read daily.
I implement daily.
I mastermind daily.
I attend conferences and workshops monthly.
Your Attitude Impacts Your Altitude
All of that is done to stay sharp.
To find an edge, a nugget, a pearl, a tip that will help me get 1% better this week and every week.
Some weeks it doesn't happen.
On other weeks I get 5% or even 10% better, and it's life-changing.
I've been doing this since 1994, while I was still on active duty in the Air Force, and I haven't stopped.
This brings me to the key question of this post:
If you were arrested for being in the profession of sales and marketing, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Market like you mean it.
Now go sell something.
