If you’re feeling stuck in a rut this season, some inspiring words may be all you need to turn your sales attitude around. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule this week to watch some of these incredible talks about all things motivation.
#1 Eddie Obeng: Smart Failure for a Fast-Changing World
With the rapid changes that our world is going through because of the technological advancements that have revolutionized our day-to-day, all aspects of business have changed, but none more than sales. The key to keeping up with our fast-paced society has to do with creative output and productivity. Obeng identifies three important changes all salesman should make for a “smart failure” that doesn’t slow down success.
#2 Amy Purdy: Living Beyond Limits
An inspiring speech given from an amazing woman. Purdy talks about her sudden illness contracted when she was 19 years old that resulted in the loss of both her legs below the knee. Hearing about this woman’s obstacles and the astounding achievements she has made physically and mentally will re-center your own priorities and inspire you to live beyond your limits.
#3 Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit–the Power of Perseverance
One of my all-time favorite TED talks given by a New York executive turned math teacher who has seen it all and succeeded. Her sharp power of observation led her to some surprising conclusions: that intelligence wasn’t the number one factor in success. Her impactful views of what is necessary for success translate beyond the classroom to business, military personnel, and yes—sales.
#4 Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation
Career analyst Dan Pink studies the complicated puzzle of motivation, and discusses some of his findings from years of studying his subject. He gives a slew of surprising success stories that were made possible by unorthodox management and passion for people. Pink discusses the deeper drive we all have within us, and how to stoke that fire in ourselves and in others—especially those who we “manage.”
#5 Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Only true final expense and preneed salesman could immediately understand why a talk about vulnerability is on a list of talks for sales inspiration. This powerful discussion of human connection will make you rethink how you interact with clients, and how you can focus more on empathy, love, and belonging. Brown’s statistical background sharply contrasts with her emotional findings, but the message from this talk is loud and clear: opening up to others and connecting with them is the only way to create true relationships.
#6 Shawn Anchor: The Happy Secret to Better Work
This entertaining talk by Shawn Anchor will get you thinking about motivation and work in a new and positive way—that’s his whole platform, in fact. Anchor explains how positivity and happiness are foundational to success, and that successful people don’t feel like they are “working hard” to get where they