Action Plan Week 2: Mandino

Cultivate Positive Habits

One of Mandino’s key principles is that success comes from developing the right habits and attitudes. Some specific habits he recommends:

• Greet each day with love in your heart
• Persist until you succeed, never giving up in the face of obstacles
• Live each day as if it were your last, focusing your energy on the present moment
• Multiply your value every day by constantly improving yourself and your skills

By making these philosophies into daily habits through repetition and practice, you ingrain them into your character. As Mandino wrote, “I will form good habits and become their slave.”

Believe in Yourself

Mandino emphasizes the importance of self-belief and recognizing your own unique value. Know that you have something special to offer that no one else can replicate.Have confidence in your abilities as a salesperson. Even if you’re more of an introvert, realize that your personality can be an asset – customers may trust and prefer your calm, listening approach vs. a typical fast-talking salesperson.

Take Persistent Action

All the positive thinking in the world is meaningless without action to back it up. Mandino’s motto was “Do it now!”For a salesperson, this means persisting in the face of rejection and not allowing yourself to get discouraged. Challenge yourself to make one more sales call at the end of a long day. Have the discipline to keep pushing forward, knowing that consistent effort will eventually yield results.

Tell Compelling Stories

While not a “tip” per se, Mandino demonstrates the power of using parables and stories to convey wisdom. The Greatest Salesman in the World teaches its principles through the tale of Hafid, the humble camel boy who achieves success.

As a salesperson, look for opportunities to use stories to connect with customers, earn their trust, and communicate the value of your product or service. Customers may relate more to a story than a dry sales pitch.

By cultivating the mindset and habits of a great salesperson, believing in your unique abilities, backing your thoughts with actions, maintaining a spiritual practice, and using the power of stories, you can apply Og Mandino’s timeless wisdom to your sales career. Focus on developing your character and the sales will follow.