Who’s the World’s Greatest Salesperson?

Pose that question to any salesperson, with a modicum of success, and I’m sure that they won’t hesitate to answer – “Me!”  It reminds me of a scene from the highly acclaimed film “The Right Stuff”.  Soon-to-be Astronaut Gordon “Gordo” Cooper, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, is asked “Who’s the greatest pilot that you’ve ever known?”  Gordo pauses and seems deep in thought for a moment. He’s starts to answer that there “once was this place called “Pancho’s” out in the middle of the Mojave Desert, but it no longer exists, because of a fire.  The walls were covered by pictures of the best test pilots that have ever lived.” He continues, “There was this one in particular though…”  We all know that he’s now thinking of Chuck Yeager, who’s trying to break an altitude record at this very moment.  There’s a lot of hubbub and noise among the reporters, so Gordo cut’s it short by simply stating with a bright smile – “The world’s greatest pilot? Well, you’re looking at him!”

Any person involved with sales should be striving to be the very best one they can be.  If not, they should find another profession.  Without that internal drive, they simply won’t be successful.  To be the best, takes commitment, drive and dedication.  That’s just the basics needed to start.  There are also lots of sub-qualifications such as being a great communicator; risk taker; extremely confident; not afraid of rejection; etc.  We’re all familiar with the “Master Sales Gurus” of the world like Zig Ziglar, John Maxwell, Tom Hopkins, Og Mandino, Joe Girard, and Tony Robbins.  They make millions each year by selling their books, DVDs, audio cassettes, training, and speaking engagements.  I’ve seen stadiums filled to capacity listening to these guys. Go into major bookstores like Barnes and Noble or Border’s and you’ll see hundreds of titles on how to improve one’s sales skills.  A recent survey discovered that of the millions of such books sold each year, less than 10% will EVER be read!  Amazing!  All of that knowledge just sitting on shelves, gathering dust.

Any true student of sales, though, should study just one book – The Holy Bible! Of the many examples of exceptional “sales” people in that book, they should start by studying just one individual – Jesus Christ!  Jesus is often referred to by the secular world as a “Great Teacher”.  Well, that’s interesting, because not too many “Great” teachers say that they’re the “Son of God”.  Normally, such people are led away in a straight-jacket, or in some cultures, put to death as Jesus later was.  I believe that the title of “Great Teacher” comes from the enduring and undeniable legacy of Jesus’ life on earth.  Even the unbelieving and skeptical world acknowledges the impact of those three short years of the public life of a man from Galilee named Jesus of Nazareth.  What caused such a legacy?  The fact remains that Jesus was a “teacher” and that people of His time on earth addressed Him as such – “Rabbi” (teacher).

What exactly is a “great” teacher?  When people are asked this question, they usually think of just a few on the scores of teachers they’ve ever known.  Why is that?  When pressed, people will usually say similar things.  They can be listed as follows:

- the teacher truly cared for their students,

- the teacher was dedicated to their profession,

- the teacher inspired them to produce their best work,

- the teacher held them accountable to apply what they were taught,

- the teacher was considered a mentor,

- the teacher was considered a coach,

- the teacher expressed a genuine interest in their success,

- the teacher was always there for them,

- the teacher always remembered them and was happy to hear from them later in life,

There are many other reasons that could be added to make it a long list. Now, match each of the above with the skills of a “great” salesperson.  Yes, Jesus could “sell” His message, because He loved first.  If we love God first, He will ensure that we’ll succeed in whatever profession, He’s called us to.  Mt. 22: 36-39 says it all: “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart with all of your soul and all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Now, if we apply these two commandments to sales, we’ll not only be successful, but we’ll leave a lasting legacy too.  A legacy with lasting effects that we may never know, but God will.  That alone, will separate us from the world and cause us to receive the best “sales” reward ever created, with God saying to us – “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mt. 25:23)

Bill Murray