A discussion about sales, sales tips and advice, and about those who land the deal

Continued from my previous post, Robert Cox enlightens us with his observations about billionaires that he knows and has done business with, and what the secret is to their success:

"When a billionaire enters a meeting, it is all about "We are here to make money." It's not about the weather. It's not about what so-and-so is doing this weekend. It is not about who has the best record in the NBA and who will win the playoffs. (Unless, of course, that billionaire is Mark Cuban.) No. The billionaire is ALWAYS READY to make money.

You should be, too.

Whenever you have a business meeting, prepare yourself in manner and dress before entering. Clear your mind of all thoughts about who is picking up the kids or why a project is stalling. Be in the moment ... the real moment ... and be open to the unique energies of that place and point in time. I promise that you will come out of that meeting with more clarity and more purpose.

Imagine your overall strategy to success in the same way. Intend to consciously see more clearly ... listen more intently ... and continually process your environment for what it is, not what you hope it to be.

Nothing wrong with hope. God bless us all, as we do need hope in our lives. However, hope is not a strategy to success.

So, what's the next step?  To have a different result, you must do things differently. And, as I said before, if you have not yet gained the wealth you deserve - or the health or the options or the freedom - you need to do things differently ... and soon. A good way to start? Work on developing the billionaire's ability to actively listen to, watch, and participate in the immediate situation."

The line I liked the best in Cox's article is one that I underlined: Hope is not a strategy for success.  And yet, I've met, worked with and even managed sales professionals who relied on "hope" as their main plan of attack.  Needless to say, they didn't enjoy a lot of success in the world of sales.

To succeed in selling, you need a real strategy.  A plan.  A roadmap.  Whether or not you become a billionaire is besides the point...if you learn to think like a billionaire, and emulate their way of thinking, you'll be more successful.  Guaranteed.