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How To Sell Like An Olympic Champion 

The Olympic Games celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and remind the world that with hard work and determination achieving the impossible really can be possible.  At the Olympics, athletes rely on the countless amounts of hours, days, and years of training to face the ultimate test of performance, which is often over in minutes or even seconds. What fuels Olympic athletes to achieve their goals, and how can implementing a similar “training” program, setting goals, and adopting a winning attitude, put you on the victory podium within your own sales organization? 

What Does it Take to be Great? 

There is no doubt that an Olympic athlete has natural talents and abilities that contribute to their athletic success, but what they do with their talents and the attitude, passion, and determination they possess is what sets them apart from the average competitor.  Take a look at your sales career as it stands today.  You have talent, or you would not have been given the job opportunity within your organization.  The question is, what are you doing to build upon your talent, and do you have the right mental attitude and drive that will make you successful in today’s competitive environment?    

Prior to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Lindsey Vonn, American Alpine Ski Racer, was quoted by the New York Times saying, “So now I know that I’ve worked harder and prepared myself better than anyone. And I have put things in place. I have a race routine. I have a team of people helping me. I have winning habits. I believe in myself. I have balance in my life. In the end, it’s a mental maturity to let your best come out.” 

In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vonn became the first American woman to win the gold medal in the downhill race and secured a bronze medal in the super-G event. 
The same mental attitude, training, and exterior factors that apply to the success of an athlete can also apply to the success of your sales career.

Increase your performance level by adopting the following 4 characteristics of a champion:

1.  Remind Yourself of Your Goals Everyday

Not just your sales goals but the goals you have in your life outside of work.  Write these goals down and keep them somewhere you will see them multiple times a day.  Most sales people that possess a tremendous amount of enthusiasm have goals inside and outside of work that they are trying to accomplish. When a person has a goal they become even more committed. When a person is committed they put more energy into what they do.

Olympians strive to do better each and every day. A person with this personality trait believes that they are good at what they do and are motivated to reach new levels of perfection. They set segmented goals and put plans in place to meet those goals each and every day.

“Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.” –Kristi Yamaguchi, former Olympic figure skating champion

2.  Train With People That Will Make You Better!

Build relationships with the winners on your sales team that you respect and can learn from.  More importantly stay away from the negative members of the team.  Every office has a few individuals that are gloom and doom - ready to bring you down with them. Misery loves company, so don’t fall into their trap. 

Surround yourself with a great network of successful people outside of work as well.  Their success and motivation will inspire you to achieve more with your own career.

Top performing athletes surround themselves with a network of inspiring, supportive people. This may include parents, friends, coaches, and even fans. Winners choose to surround themselves with people who are a source of motivation, and in-turn those athletes provide inspiration to their fans who cheer and support them in life and in competition. 

“I’ve had nothing but love from everyone and feel so lucky to have such an awesome group of people in this area that have followed me through my career.”  –Apollo Ohno, Olympic Speed Skater and “most decorated” American winter athlete, winning 8 medals

3.  Prepare Yourself to Beat the Competition

While your main focus should always be on improving your own skills, it’s a good idea to keep yourself informed on what’s going on in your industry and with your competitors.  You’re not the only one out there, so taking time to do your research can give you a leg-up on the competition.

Many successful sales people are the absolute best at what they do because they have read and studied not only their own website, brochures, and articles, but also their competitors. This prepares them to always be on top of their game in front of prospects and gives them the ability to intelligently answer the “Why your product” questions. 

“If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.” –Mark Spitz, former Olympic swimming champion

4.  Stay in Shape!  - Both Mentally and Physically.

It is hard to be motivated with an empty gas tank.  Being successful takes energy.  Mentally you must be on top of your game each and every day.  Getting the proper amount of sleep and keeping a healthy diet will give your body and mind the ability to proficiently run thought the day.  Staying in shape physically will provide you with vigor and liveliness to wake-up each morning ready to tackle the challenges thrown your way – from sun up to sun down!  Being active and physically fit will make enable you feel good about yourself which will surely shine through in your daily interactions with customers, co-workers, family and friends!    

Olympians know what it takes to be the best at their sport. They know their bodies and ensure maximum performance by training, practicing, eating and resting to maintain the highest level of efficiency.  Elite athletes adopt a healthy regiment to keep their bodies strong and their minds focused.

“I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match.”
–Mia Hamm, American Soccer player, 2004 Summer Olympics

“Citius, Altius, Fortius”

The Olympic motto reads:  “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, which means faster, higher, stronger.  Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympics created this motto, and in his own words it’s “a motto for people who dare to try to break records.”  So on the brink of the Winter Olympics 2010 closing ceremony, what “record” are you striving to break?  Whether it’s an individual sales record, a team record, or a companywide record, the important thing is to always set a goal for yourself and GO FOR IT!


About The Next Level Sales Consulting

The Next Level delivers performance consulting to sales organizations, client service organizations, and call centers. We focus relentlessly on boosting the key metrics that matter most to your business.

To learn more about how to take your business to The Next Level, contact us at 310-643-7700 or visit us at www.nextlevelsalesconsulting.com

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