Limiting Beliefs as the Main Obstacle to Sales Success

Sales seems like a simple process, and in its basic form, it probably is. But when we add elements of competition, a demanding market, different prices, substitute products, PR communication, advertising, and influence through networks, we actually enter a very complex story in which everyone copes in the best possible way with the resources they have. There are many unknowns in this process, and a lot of knowledge is needed to master all these areas.

And despite everything I've mentioned, the great truth is that sales at its core is actually building relationships based on trust. A prerequisite for building such a relationship is that everyone involved in sales has confidence in themselves and what they offer to the market. For this to happen, it is necessary to get rid of all the barriers that prevent this. All those barriers come from within, meaning each of us is our own biggest obstacle on the road to success. It is always easier to find a reason not to do something than to do something. We can call all those barriers that we set for ourselves limiting beliefs.

The question arises as to how to get rid of such beliefs. My recommendation is to do it with a person who will guide you on that path in the right way. It is logical that someone who observes the situation "from a distance" has a much better insight into everything that is actually happening than ourselves. We always come to the question of how to choose the right person for ourselves, so in accordance with that, I will give a couple of guidelines, which, at least from my experience, allow you to make a good choice of your future advisor or coach.

1. Clearly define your needs and goals:

• What do you want to achieve? Do you want to improve your sales skills, increase your self-confidence, manage your time better, or something completely different? The more precisely you define your goals, the easier it will be to find a coach specialized in that area.
• What is your learning style? Do you prefer practical exercises, theoretical explanations, group work, or individual sessions?
• What are your limits? Think about the budget, the time you can dedicate to coaching, and the format (online or live).

2. Research potential coaches:

• Ask for recommendations: Ask colleagues, friends, and business partners for recommendations. Personal experience is valuable.
• Search online: Use the internet and specialized coaching platforms. Pay attention to reviews and comments from other clients.
• Visit the coaches' websites: Check their experience, qualifications, and most importantly, past results.

3. Evaluate experience and expertise:

• Has the coach specialized in the area you need? Some coaches are focused on leadership, others on sales, and others on personal development.
• What is their experience? How long have they been working as coaches? What kind of clients have they worked with?
• Check their references: Have they worked with clients similar to you? What results have they achieved?

4. Schedule consultations:

• Most coaches offer free consultations. Take this opportunity to meet them, ask questions, and assess whether they are right for you.
• Pay attention to communication: Do you feel that the coach is listening to you and understands you? Do they inspire confidence?
• Feel the "chemistry": Do you feel comfortable talking to the coach? Do you think you can have a good relationship?

5. Consider price and logistics:

• Compare prices: Coaching prices can vary significantly. Make sure you are getting adequate value for your money.
• Agree on a schedule and format: Define the frequency and duration of sessions. Decide if you want online or live coaching.

6. Trust your intuition:

• In the end, rely on your gut feeling. Choose the coach you feel most comfortable with and who you believe can help you achieve your goals.

This is one direction. The other is to work on eliminating the limiting beliefs that are blocking you on the path to your success.

In line with that, I suggest the following techniques that can help you with that:

1. Identification and questioning:

• Writing: Keep a journal and write down the thoughts and feelings that arise in situations that limit you. Pay attention to negative thoughts and beliefs that repeat themselves.
• Questioning: When you identify a limiting belief, question it. Ask yourself: Is this belief really true? What evidence supports this belief? What evidence contradicts this belief? What would happen if I believed the opposite? Does this belief serve my goals?

2. Affirmations:

• Creating affirmations: Compose positive affirmations that contradict your limiting beliefs. For example, if your limiting belief is "I'm not good enough", your affirmation can be "I am capable and worthy of love and success."
• Repeating affirmations: Repeat affirmations regularly, aloud or to yourself, with feeling and conviction.

3. Visualization:

• Imagining success: Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your goals and overcoming limitations. Visualize yourself feeling confident and successful.
• Repeating visualization: Repeat the visualization regularly, the more often the better.

4. Behavior change:

• Stepping out of your comfort zone: Gradually expose yourself to situations that trigger your limiting beliefs. Start with small steps and gradually increase the challenge.
• Celebrating success: Celebrate every success, no matter how small. This will help you build self-confidence and belief in yourself.

Please always keep in mind the following truth: "If you say you can do something, you are right. If you say you can't do something, you are right."

Success and the achievement of all the goals you have in front of you are only limited by your perception.

I wish you happy holidays with the wish that in the next year we will all be a much better version of ourselves.

Cheers,

Nenad