Losing

I wouldn't call myself a big quote guy. I enjoy them from time to time, but can't do the 'quote of the day' calendars and certainly wouldn't put a picture on a wall with a quote. It's just not my style. That said, I was walking through an open house recently and was struck by a framed quote hanging on the wall of a tennis-themed bedroom...I guess the kid was a tennis nut. The quote was from the fabulous Rafael Nadal and read, " Losing is not my enemy. Fear of losing is my enemy."

Sales come with losses. Lots of losses. And this is not one of those articles to tell you to dust yourself off and persevere...I'll save that cliche article for a mental block day. If I truly reflect on that quote there rings a lot of truth to the salesperson. Often times we don't chase the deal because we don't want to be told 'no' or some other illogical notion. A professional salesperson is going to lose more times than not so that shouldn't be the enemy like Rafa says, but if we fear even trying for sake of a loss than there's some real issues to be addressed. 

Call it fear of losing or fear of failure it's a gut-check type of question to ask oneself when not pursuing something we know we should. Why not call on that behemoth of a prospect? Why not hold firm in your negotiation? Why not ask for the business?

Now I certainly don't plan to post this onto my living room wall, but I did take a photo of it and keep it in my phone to look at from time to time. Wait, maybe I am a quote guy after all?

Stoked!