I
often wonder what the secret to success is. Especially when it
comes to business. Because, at the end of the day, we're all in this struggle.
A rat race, if you will. Constantly fighting an uphill battle. Often, we feel
frustrated. Sometimes, defeated. But, what if I told you that the secrets to
success in business aren't as complicated as many make them out to be
Okay, coming from me, those
words might not have the same impact. But, what if I told you that this
information comes directly from two of the best salespeople on the planet? As a
student of self-improvement, I've followed many of the world's most
sought-after purveyors of success. Anthony Robbins, for one. He's definitely my
hero. But, so is Zig Ziglar.
If the name zig zigler doesn't ring a bell, then you
might have been hiding under a rock for the past few decades. He's touched the
lives of over 250 million people around the planet. Sold millions of books. And
most certainly created thousands of millionaires. Now, while Ziglar might no
longer be among the living, his words most certainly live on.
1. Create something of real value
Harrington talks a lot about
value. It's the cornerstone to success. If you stopped to think about it right
now, the richest people in the world have created the most value. Hands down,
it's crucial if you're looking to win. So why is value so important you ask?
2. Improve the lives of others
Not only should you deliver
real value, but you should look for ways that you can improve the lives of
others with whatever it is that you're peddling. Sure, you could sell anything
to anyone for a brief period. But, if you're not improving the lives of
consumers, you're really wasting your time.
3. Be authentic and transparent
No one likes a sleazeball.
You can't sell anything. Don't be that guy (or girl) that people dread speaking
to. The used car salesman. The underhanded low-balling greedy saleswoman. Don't
be that person. Just don't. Instead, if you really want to succeed, Harrington
says that you should be authentic and transparent.
4. Focus on positivity
While you shouldn't look to
please everyone all the time, you should focus your thoughts on positivity. In
other words, don't think negative thoughts. Yes, it's hard. But, it's
necessary. If you begin to veer off to the realm of negativity, your entire
life follows.
5. Follow the 80-20 Rule
The 80-20 Rule states
that 80 percent of the results come from 20 percent of the efforts. In sales,
this means that 80 percent of the sales come from 20 percent of the customers.
It also means that, within the 20 percent of efforts, another 80-20 Rule
applies. That translates to a very small amount of efforts leading to a very
large amount of results.
