Marathons and Sales Goals

I'm training for a marathon. It’s not like I woke up yesterday and decided I was going to run 44 kilometers. This is something that started a year ago when I dabbled with running and accomplished a half marathon. I wasn’t a kid who dreamt of running a marathon and was just looking for my opportunity... truth is, I don’t even like running. I don’t like the day-to-day of training, and some days are draining and tough to show up, BUT, I grin and bear it to push through the tough days with a smile. Why? Because I am addicted to the accomplishment. I am addicted to pushing myself to get a bit further than the previous week. When I decided I was going to run a marathon, I got serious, buckled down, and jumped into it with both feet. I put together a long-term training plan with short-term goals. I invested in equipment and shoes that would help me be more effective. I am sticking to the plan and grinding it out but flexible and rolling with unexpected issues that may arise. I am celebrating my wins as they come. And finally, I am focused on my one goal with every step of training – Crossing the Finish Line!

?Come to think of it, this sounds eerily close to my career in sales! Let’s rewrite this but change the running terminology to sales goals…

?I am aiming to be the top sales rep for the year. It’s not like I woke up yesterday and decided I was going to lead the sales team. This is something that started a while ago when I began to see success on my sales calls. I wasn’t a kid who dreamt of carrying a briefcase just looking for my opportunity to run through a pitch deck… truth is, sales isn’t easy, I don’t like the day-to-day of prospecting and cold calling, some days are draining and tough to show up, BUT, I grin and bear it to push through the tough days with a smile. Why? Because I am addicted to the accomplishment. I am addicted to helping a client and winning a deal and doing better than the previous week. When I decided sales was going to be my career, I got serious, buckled down, and jumped into it with both feet. I put a long-term plan together with short-term goals. I invested in training and tools that would help me be more effective. I am sticking to the plan and grinding it out but flexible and rolling with unexpected issues that may arise. I am celebrating my wins as they come. And finally, I am focused on my one goal with every step of the sales process – Doing my Best!

?So, in my experience, embarking on a marathon journey, whether in business or athletics, demands more than just a physical or mental commitment; it requires planning, diligent training, and unwavering determination. In both, the path to success is paved with milestones, setbacks, and triumphs. Below are some principles of planning, training, and completing a marathon parallel those of achieving a business goal.

?Setting Clear Goals:

First things first, you gotta know what you're aiming for. In running, it could be nailing a certain time or just finishing without collapsing. In business, it's setting those SMART goals - you know, the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound ones.

Making a Solid Plan:

Once you've got your sights set, it's time to draw up a roadmap. For running, that means a training schedule that gradually amps up your mileage and strength. In business, it's all about plotting out your moves, allocating resources, and bracing for the unexpected.

?Sticking to the Grind:

Consistency is key. Whether you're pounding the pavement or pounding away at your keyboard, showing up day in and day out is what gets you there. No excuses.

?Rolling with the Punches:

Life's full of surprises, and marathon training and business are no different. Injuries, market shifts, you name it - you gotta be ready to pivot and adapt. It's all about staying flexible and bouncing back stronger.

?Celebrating Wins:

Every victory, big or small, deserves a pat on the back. Completing a tough training run? Landing that big client? Treat yourself - you've earned it.

?Crossing that Finish Line:

And finally, the moment of truth. Whether it's crossing the marathon finish line or hitting that business milestone, that feeling of accomplishment is unbeatable. But remember, it's not just about the destination - it's about the journey too.

Whether you're lacing up your running shoes or suiting up for the boardroom, the formula for success remains the same: plan it out, put in the work, and keep pushing forward. So go ahead, chase those goals - and don't stop until you're crossing that finish line, whatever it may be.