A Letter to My Readers
The number of adults in the United States employed in sales-related jobs varies depending on how those jobs are defined. However, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 11% of people in the US are employed in “sales and sales-related occupations.” This includes jobs such as retail sales, wholesale, manufacturing, and real estate sales.
HubSpot states that the average turnover rate in sales-related jobs is 35%, substantially higher than in all other industries. This is an example of thousands of people who see the rewards gained from a successful sales career, but did not receive the training or possess the characteristics and discipline to succeed in the long term.
Furthermore, Zappia’s research indicates that the success rate of salespeople varies significantly depending on their industry, from as low as 1% to slightly over 20% who consistently meet or exceed sales expectations. I regard many of them as sweet spot seekers.
The Sales Sweet Spot: Principles to Prosper in Sales and Sales Leadership aims to equip you with the skills necessary to become an exceptional salesperson, sales leader, or manager. The book will consistently remind you of what it takes to find success and the actions required to maintain it.
Nothing is more satisfying for a professional or amateur golfer than hitting the Sweet Spot with a perfect golf swing. It’s the spot on the head of a golf club that's slightly larger than a centimeter. When struck, it will create maximum accuracy and distance. Golfers who love the game spend their entire lives searching for the sweet spot, and if it happens once during any single round of golf, most will say,” That’s the swing that keeps me coming back.”
Everyone is in search of their sweet spot. But sweet spots are elusive and can be described in several ways. It’s the ideal position sought to create phenomenal outcomes, a situation that allows you to be the best you can be. Recognizing the difference between being the best and being the best that you can be. Every professional endeavor or desire has a sweet spot. Sales and Sales Leadership are no different.
Sweet spots seeking is a continuous journey. When you think you've arrived, a change can occur, often beyond your control. The change may be physical, technological, resource-based, cultural, or vision-related. All require a “swing adjustment.” Finding your sweet spot requires focused discipline and commitment. But the journey can be very gratifying when you have a system and are not afraid to think critically and creatively. This book serves as a roadmap to help you navigate this exciting journey.
In my 40 years as a sales and sales leadership professional, I've concluded that there are two kinds of successful sales professionals: those who consistently meet expectations, adhere to the sales process, and fulfill all required criteria to achieve their goals and objectives. They do what it takes to keep their job. Then, there are those who always focus on exceeding expectations—the sweet spot seekers. Like professional golfers, they are constantly seeking an edge, new ideas, and techniques that will propel them past their teammates and competitors.
