I’m a die-hard Chicago sports fan and grew up playing sports every season. If you have ever read any of my previous blog posts, you will see this passion is reflected in my blog posts, as I often compare sports to sales. For some time, I have thought of sales as an individual sport, looking at it as me versus my quota. But recently I have decided sales also can be a team “sport.”
There are two types of sports: individual sports, such as running, tennis or wrestling, where your success relies solely on your skill; and team sports, such as soccer, football, baseball or basketball, that emphasize collaboration to achieve a common goal. Although success in sales often occurs on an individual bases, the support of a sales team is just as important. Here’s why I’ve changed my mind and view sales as an individual and team sport.
SALES AS AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT
- The harder I work, the better I do both professionally and personally (and even financially).
- I have monthly, quarterly and annual quotas that I’m responsible to hit.
- I need to constantly improve my skills and knowledge through reading and listening to industry and sales resources.
SALES AS A TEAM SPORT
- Sales is tough! Leveraging other sales professionals and managers when you need motivation or support is crucial to success.
- Yes, I have a quota that is my full responsibility, but my quota is contributing to my team’s goals as well.
- Just like drawing up a game plan or watching a film, your team of peers and managers are there to help you define your goals, build a plan on how to reach them and keep you on the path of execution.
To be successful in sales, I believe you have to approach it as if it is solely on you to succeed, but know that you have a team around you to support your common goals.
Happy Selling!
