Must Read for ANY Sales Professional - High School Book Report

Good day to you, and thank you once again for stopping by.

Today I feel like I have gone back to high school. Never, in my wildest of dreams did I think I would write another book review let alone want to write it; Yet here I sit on this delightful Friday morning inspired by one of Canada's... scratch that, North America's top Sales trainers. The gentleman's name is Kelley Robertson. Kelley and I were were introduced through another sales guru, Paul Castain. To be honest, I was a little put off by Kelley to begin with. This was mostly due to the fact he lives in Toronto and supports the Maple Laughs. Yes, The Maple Laughs. I could go on about that awful team but I digress.

Kelley was kind enough to help a young sales jedi out and sent a copy of his book "The Secrets of Power Selling". Within this book of goodies are 101 tips to help improve your sales results. I would recommend a few but all 101 tips are great. No, I'm not just kissing the ass of someone I look up to. These tips are great especially for someone like me who who lacks in experience but is keen to learn and start dominating the world of sales. Oh wait, I already dominate ; )

The tips themselves are generally short and to the point. It then goes on in more detail of why they are important and will have a practical application of the tip. This is not the style of book that needs to read from front to back. You can literally pick it up, read a tip or two, put it to use, and go back the next day for more. This is essentially what I did for the past 50 days and I have the numbers to prove it works. Don't believe me, call my boss. Actually, call me; that way I can both brag about Kelley, his book, my numbers, and attempt to sell something to you. Wait, why attempt? In the wise words of Yoda, "There is no try, there is to do and not do." I'm no Star Wars geek so I may have paraphrased slightly.

I'm not going to give away my "Top 5 tips" or mention a ton because in all reality, you need to get this book for yourself a copy of it. Please do yourself a favour, click here to get a copy.

As mentioned in the paragraph(s) above, all the tips are great for all levels of people in sales from young to old, experienced vets to newbs. I will mention my number one tip and is "The Power of Persistence". It is pretty self explanatory but sometimes we all need a kick in the pants to keep going and "try, try, try again". I have learned this lesson over, and over, time and time again. As usual, I find myself pulling life lessons from my hockey days. I had countless numbers of doors (literally) slammed in my face. Nine teams in two years, thousands upon thousands of miles flown, driven, and bussed across the continent all to end up realizing my dream of playing in the NHL and hoisting a Stanley Cup will not be coming true.

A 12 year old me still very distinctly remembers a goalie coach of mine, Pasco Valana (pictured left) saying "We may not all get the chance to hoist the Stanley Cup, but we can all win the Stanley Cup of Life". Persistence, hard work, and determination, along with the will to break down barriers and plow through walls but in front of me provided me with the opportunity to grow hugely as a person. It was persistence that allowed me to do that.

Life is a journey and the destination is never as sweet if we can not enjoy the route that gets us there. (paraphrased quote from one of my trainers, Nathan Davis).

With that, I remind you to kick ass every day. Kick as at work, at home, and at play. Kick ass in every one of lifes arenas and you will indeed find yourself hoisting the Stanley Cup of life, the ultimate prize.

Thank you to all those that have helped me thus far; you know who you are. I'm not going to write an Oscars speech.