I am pretty sure I came out of the womb a salesman. Selling has been my passion all my life and it has provided not only financial freedom and security, but incredible relationships with people I otherwise may have never met. I’ve always been successful at sales and have invested a lot of time and my own funds into my personal development which has paid off.
Over the years, I have always been a top sales rep but not an over the top sales rep. This year out of more than 1600 sales reps, I’ve broken into the Top 10 for the first time. Many have achieved this through the help of a sales coach, training and book resources, a change in their approach and style, or just working harder at selling. I in fact did none of those. So what did I do differently this past year to create the bump in my sales performance?
So What Helped Increase My Sales Performance
Transformation from a complacent overweight 242 lbs. to a lean and athletic 172 lbs. This not only helped increase my sales and allowed me to feel more confident, but has blessed me with an entirely new lease on life.
As I started to eat healthy and exercise I was told to think of my body as a Ferrari since our bodies are one of the most finely tuned machines. I know that if I had a Ferrari I would buy the best gasoline for it and have a top rated mechanic install the best motor oil. That is how I think of eating now… fuel for my Ferrari body. You get the point!!
If you want to find out more about what I did read the detailed before and after snapshot below and feel free to contact me Jeff at jeff@getluckyonpurpose.com. Don’t wait, your future sales success may well be linked to your nutrition and exercise like mine was.
After my transformation – I became one of the Top Sales Reps without changing anything directly related to my selling. Nutrition and exercise is what made all the difference in the world.
#1: Food/Drink Regiment (Before)
- I have not had a soda and almost no caffeine since the beginning of my transformation. Wow do I feel great without it.
- I drink water and lots of it. It was recommended to me to drink ½ my body weight in ounces of water (example 200 lbs would be 100 oz a day). I’ve doubled that and drink almost 200 oz a day.
- My breakfast generally consists of a super healthy and easy shake that contains protein, carbs, fats and other essential vitamins and minerals. The shake is formulated so all I need to do is add water.
- Lunch
- On the road is now a planned event. Here’s an example of what I pack and bring with me: fresh caught fish, organic chicken or at least 93@ lean beef, brown rice or sweet potato, mixed greens, almonds or almond butter, and a few berries.
- At home I’m always prepared because I cook for about 4 to 7 days in advance so they are ready to grab from the kitchen.
- Sugary treats are rarely part of my diet and instead I substitute almonds, celery, cucumbers, green peppers, ezekiel bread with almond butter, and so on.
- There is a time and a place to have reward meals. I have between 2-4 reward meals per week. What I reward myself with today barely resembles what I would have rewarded myself in the past. I’m finding my healthy rewards are just as satisfying.
- My confidence level has shot through the roof because I feel so good about myself.
- I really started seeing myself in the mirror and liking the reflection back. My negative inner voice, which had limited my belief in my talent and abilities has been reversed.
- I’m more positive and full of joy, which clients have picked up on from my verbals and nonverbals. Who doesn’t want to buy from someone like this.
#2: Exercise
- I now know this is critical to my energy and stamina levels and to burn fat more efficiently to build muscle. It is also key in improving my self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Now that I have a slimmer and more toned body, people remark that I look 10 years younger and ask if I am a tri-athlete. I sometimes turn around to make sure they‘re talking to me and not the guy behind me. After showing one of my clients my before and after transformation pictures, she remarked, “When I first saw you, I thought you were an athlete”. People used to call me the “A” word but not “A”thlete.
- Since I am looking at myself as a Ferrari I now work with a trainer 2 times per week.
- I plan on running the Chicago Marathon this year which I would have never considered a year ago.
- When I want to make sure my thinking is at its sharpest for an important meeting, I make exercise beforehand to get the endorphins going.
- I’m receiving more and more invitations to play sports like floor hockey and golf. I believe this is a result of being able to offer better competition and an asset to their experience.
#3: Patience
- My listening skills with the client have improved due to an increased ability to concentrate/focus. I’m now better at picking up on personal connections that come up in our conversation. I’m finding it easier to guide the sales call, discover needs, and build rapport. My sales message is clearer and more persuasive as a result.
- With more energy/stamina, I’ve gone back to the basics of making a list to stay on track and focused on “What’s really important” and what are the activities and actions I should be taking each day. I can no longer afford to waste time on tasks that are not going to produce results. Time is too valuable.
#4: Sleep
- I now sleep deeper and longer and wake up feeling more refreshed, energized, and find my memory and creativity have increased. I’m doing some of my best work as a result.
- I have better control of the stress in my life and feel less anxious.
I finally discovered my inner awesomeness which has translated into increased sales and revenue. On top of that I have started a whole new revenue stream by becoming an accountability coach to others. I help others stay accountable to their nutrition, sales and other goals in 16 week increments.
