How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling
Twenty years ago at the Institute, it was recommended that we read How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling. Later (much later), I found my maternal grandfather’s copy in an old foot locker of his school books. Since I finished Managing Humans the other week, I thought I might finally get around to reading it.
Frank Bettger, the author, was originally a major league baseball player, but after an early retirement due to injury, got into the insurance business. After failing miserably for some time, he eventually built himself up into a huge success.
Here’s what I’ve learned from each chapter so far:
Be enthusiastic! Enthusiasm, even if forced, will engender attention and trust in others.
Keep records of your time and activities. Check back after a while and self-evaluate. What were the most valuable things you did? What can you cut?
If you are bridled by fear or lack self-confidence, enroll in a public speaking course (esp. one in which you must speak at every meeting). Or start a discussion/speech group, à la Ben Franklin’s Junto.
Plan your week’s schedule ahead of time, and then stick to it as much as possible.
Find out what people want, and help them get it. Not just when selling something, but in all of life. (See Mark 10:44)
(More to come as I read further.)
I’m going to try and implement each of these things. You might read about it here.