We're going for gold, and we're in the mood to share!
Mutaz Essa Barshim’s stint with sport began with running and long jumping. By the age of 15, Barshim had decided to take up high jumping, because it looked fun. By the time he participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics, the Qatari had earned the title of second best jumper with multiple medals to his name. He made his way through the quarters and semis, raising the bar each time by jumping over it. Soon, it became a contest between just two athletes. In a bitter-sweet coincidence, Barshim found out his opponent was none other than his friend, Gianmarco Tamberi. This was going to be personal.
High Jump, High Stakes
Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy was no stranger to the sport. Coached by his father, Tamberi was a regular record breaker who had remained undefeated all through 2016. Half on beard and full on anticipation, Gianmarco Tamberi was prepared to strive for gold. Both high jumpers cleared 2.37 meters, and the bar was raised to 2.39 meters. Despite three attempts, neither athlete succeeded. It was a tie.
While the officials were trying to find out the next course of action, Barshim had a suggestion. He said he would be willing to share the gold with his friend and opponent Gianmarco Tamberi, if he would also agree. Moments later, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi celebrated together on the podium, each holding a gleaming gold medal.
Win-Win Strategy
Negotiations in sales may often feel like a high jump event. Each person tries their best to up the price or the offerings, while waiting to see if the buyer will match them. In large deals, this back and forth can become exhausting, resulting in the buyer either reconsidering their decision or feeling shortchanged. In this scenario, it’s important to consider a mutual victory, where the compromises are few and everyone gets what they want. The reps get their deal, the buyer gets their offering, and a symbiotic relationship begins.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there may have been lightsabers and Wookies, but the Star Wars franchise isn’t that far, far away from our world. The sci-fi masterpiece has family drama, internal conflicts, and human resilience, just as we do.
And that is the reason why this multi-million-dollar franchise has reached pop culture status — there’s something relatable in the films and characters that everyone can connect to or draw inspiration from. Maybe that’s why spin-offs like The Mandalorian and the more recent Obi-Wan Kenobi keep releasing.
And while exploring the galaxy far, far away, we realised that it might have some similarities with the sales world too. Especially when it comes to some iconic quotes.
Follow-ups to follow-ups to follow-ups
Sometimes, all a prospect needs is a little nudging. After all, we’re playing a long game here, and persistence is key in making sure you close the sale. So sending multiple follow-up emails is just a part of the game.
Sending the second reminder e-mail isn’t too bad. Sending the third is a little embarrassing. Sending the fourth feels soul-crushing. Sending the fifth one, however, feels like this iconic scene from?The Empire Strikes Back:
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But that’s the name of the game, at the end of the day. We all know the statistics: it takes at least five follow-ups for a prospect to respond. So bite the bullet (or the lightsaber?) and shoot your shot. It may feel like you’re loosing the battle, but you’re winning the War. The Star Wars!
And on that corny joke, it’s time for us to hyperdrive out of here. May the Sales always be with you!
This is an excerpt from our May 4th special blog, 4 Star Wars Quotes For The Sales Life. Click to read the full post!
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And…?Huddle Break!
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