A wise man of the Orient once remarked, There are three kinds of salespeople in every company: rowboat salespeople, sailboat salespeople and steamboat salespeople.
Rowboat salespeople need to be pushed or shoved along. They generally start too late and quit too early. Because they are attempting to move ahead in the most strenuous manner, they take frequent breaks from their work and never seem to get very far. In their minds, because they seem to be working hard and investing a considerable amount of energy, they believe they are doing a good job. The rowboat salespeople are almost always puzzled by their small paycheques.
The sailboat salespeople only move in the direction of their desired goal when a favourable wind is blowing. They leave their success entirely in the hands of circumstance or some other outside source. When the winds of the surface are blowing in their direction, this group are all smiles and honestly believe they deserve the credit for their good fortune. Unfortunately, this misguided group generally ends up on some rocky shore blaming nature for their failure. These sailboat salespeople are equally puzzled by their sparse compensation.
The steamboat salespeople are in great demand and are well compensated. They move in the direction of their chosen destination continuously, through calm or storm. They are usually masters of themselves, their surroundings, and their fate.
Whenever they are slowed down or stopped from moving ahead, they are aware the problem lies in the engine within. They immediately begin their necessary repairs. The steamboat salespeople know that neither the winds of the surface nor their physical strength is retarding their progress … it’s inside. They solve the problem and move forward to fame and fortune. Are you in sales? Start your engine and win!!!
Hi, I'm Jon... author, entrepreneur and speaker.