The Thrill of Victory

The Thrill of Victory

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

If you are over the age of 40, you can appreciate the following quote made famous by Jim McKay from ABC’s Wide World of Sports, “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”

Those powerful words from Jim McKay were used to describe the human drama of athletic competition.  Whether you are a big sports fan or not, you can appreciate the real life drama of: Ali vs. Liston, the Olympics and Game 7 of the World Series.  The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat also beautifully describes what it means to be a sales-professional.

If you’re in sales you know EXACTLY what I mean.  Ok, sales might not have the drama of the Olympics but anyone in sales knows victory and defeat.

If you are in sales your worth is measured on a DAILY basis.  In sales there are no Silver or Bronze “Runner-Up Medals”.  There are no Division Titles given out.  There are no participation trophies.  You either win or lose.  You don’t make a dime for 2nd place.  You either enjoy the Thrill of Victory or endure the Agony of Defeat.  That’s it.  End of story.

Let’s talk about the Thrill of Victory.  Anyone who has made a living selling knows there is no better feeling than making a sale.  Closing a deal can create feelings of euphoria.

The feelings of euphoria go beyond your commission check.  It affects how you feel mentally and physically.  You walk with your shoulders back and your chest out feeling you can conquer the world.  And nothing can reverse the feelings of a slump like closing a deal.  You can go from zero to hero in a heartbeat.

The Agony of Defeat

Now – the Agony of Defeat!  As any sales person knows some sales can happen on the spot and others can take weeks, months or a year or more to close.  The effort to close deals can be exhausting.  When you lose one it can really hurt.

If I only had a dollar every time a sales person thought the deal was a sure thing only to have it snatched from victory.  The Agony of Defeat can leave you feeling bewildered and depressed.

Sales can be a very unforgiving career.  And as you are aware you are only as good as your last deal.  June was your best month ever!!!  That’s great but today is July 1st – so what!  Ouch – but that is the reality of sales.

While the Thrill of Victory motivates many to succeed, it is the super successful who are more motivated by the Agony of Defeat!  Loosing stinks so make sure you do everything possible to win!

If you need help creating more victories in your selling process – I can help.  Call me!

 

 

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