Competitiveness applies to sports and sales; however, the ‘Commonalities between sports and effective selling’ offers much more. Everyone wants to win, but how we go about it is the differentiator for fan and client loyalty. Otherwise, working to win at all costs can be detrimental to a business, the team, and the individual.
My Story
In the corporate arena, I had to prove to the doubting men that a woman can sell and do it well. The treatment left much to be desired. However, if I were to set an example, the impossible factor would be quitting. If I did stop, the men would have won and proved their theory that women belong at home. My commitment to ongoing learning helped me differentiate myself from the competitive crowd.
Serena Williams is a globally known tennis champion, a force to be recognized, and a role model for women. It’s important to acknowledge her accomplishments, given most sports figures in the news are male. In addition to her wins, she is also teaching younger family members how to succeed.
Williams’ first three quotes found via a search apply well to sports and business plus give the inspiration to continue learning:
- “I don’t like to lose — at anything — yet I’ve grown most not from victories but setbacks.”
2. “Everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.”
3. “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”
Another excellent example is Muhammad Ali, who, over time, stated quotable moments that apply to life’s journey. His quotes are from long ago but are memorable and applicable today. I found the following quotes upon doing a Google Search:
- “I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’”
2. “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it—then I can achieve it.”
3. “Live every day as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.”
The Real Competition is Within the Individual
Success or becoming a champion begins with our mindset and determination to succeed. Hard work doesn’t necessarily match the heartache or stress of overcoming unforeseen barriers. The thought of quitting may frequently arise, but those who fight the odds possess the determination to realize their winning strategy.
In the business environment, it serves everyone well to research the competition with an eye on how they serve their clientele. The objective is to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors. Doing so provides us with insight on:
- Where we stand in the pool of suppliers.
- Our deficits can put our competitors in a better position; research reveals what we are to improve.
- The advantages we may provide our clientele.
Honesty is always the best policy as it increases the prospective client’s attention. Without bad-mouthing the competition, it is good practice to share the differences between the delivery of your services and theirs to ask the client how they prefer to proceed. Their answer will produce an in-depth conversation with much insight to gain. Those insights that typically do not see the light of day will turn the salesperson into the champion of their team.
Your Story: Commonalities Between Sports and Effective Selling
It is challenging to remain positive every day throughout the year, but it is necessary to continue the motivating work. Athletes receive help from their coaches with strategic instruction on multiple levels. Similarly, employees and entrepreneurs may reduce their anxiety substantially by hiring a coach. Another approach is creating a dedicated peer group to share better strategies as they reveal themselves.
On the days that seem exceedingly doubtful, take time to reflect on your starting point. Recognize and confirm the lessons you have learned to date. Potentially, there may be a special recognizable moment to share with others that will help them improve.
Open communication is one of the better selling techniques as it opens the door to learning more about you. To get people to share their troubling situations and exchange ideas effectively is to have them embrace story-sharing. Similarly, encouraging others to share their memorable moments may spread much insight to those actively listening. Accordingly, you develop an inclusive team environment where everyone’s input counts. Individuals and businesses will all benefit from the process.
In Conclusion: Commonalities Between Sports and Effective Selling
We should never take our eyes off our end goal as we strive daily to improve our game approach for business, sports, and life. Whether we are on a sports or sales team, work remotely, or are entrepreneurial in our effort, we must realize what drives us and how to increase our motivation to continue. Our bonus is sharing our insights for overcoming challenges with those who follow our lead. The appreciation confirms the effort is worthwhile. Better yet is to witness those we help become leaders in their own right. Our outcomes will improve substantially upon acceptance of the commonalities between sports and effective selling.
