99% of people get to the end of the working lives and THEN realize they've done it all wrong. What are the chances that you will be one of them? 1% achieve wealth in this country. The country that provides the most opportunity and greatest freedoms only has 1 of 100 reach financial liberty. It's not because the 1% got lucky. It's also not because 99% were lazy. What was the difference? It's not for lack of information on the subject. Over 73 million people have read one, two, or all three of the best selling personal finance books of all time (Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Millionaire Next Door, Think and Grow Rich). Yet, only 3 million have achieved wealth. If you are an inquiring mind the question may be arising, how do I make sure to be in the 1%?
The one quality the top 1% all have in common, is that they're the most influential men and women in their industry. Question: who is Apple's #1 salesperson? Who is Berkshire Hathaway's #1 salesperson? Who is Microsoft's #1 sales person? If you answered, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates you win. The same is true for Oprah, Zuckerberg, Martha Stewart, and Branson. All of these men and women dominate their industry because they are the #1 salesperson in that industry.
Yet, in our country we're so afraid of sales that we come up with creative words like entrepreneur, network marketer, business developer. All of these descriptions are used to cover up the fact that the person is in SALES. Newsflash, sales is the most lucrative profession there is. Hardly anything happens in the course of a day that does not involve a buy-sell-encounter(tm). The key is to know when you are in the buy-sell-encounter(tm) and how to win it. This can only be done by mastering the skills of sales and influence.
Some have suggested to "just be fearless and take massive action" in order to become successful. The truth is, being fearless without the proper skills makes you annoying. We see often where well intended people looking to launch a new business quickly alienate themselves from friends and family with their "fearless" approach.
Fearless - skill = annoying
Fearless + skill = confidence
Develop the skill and practice fearlessness. This leads to confidence.
Shirley Hunt, a friend and mentor of mine once said to me, "Being successful is really pretty simple, just be willing to do what others aren't." She went on to say, "Do you think I like to go to the gym? Of course, not. I don't know anyone who likes going to the gym. However, I learned to love it because of the results it produces."
I've been afraid of and resisted sales for a long time. Now I understand its one of those skills to get good at that other people aren't willing to do.
The conclusion is clear, to remain relevant in a changing world master the skills of sales and influence, or be one of the 99%.
