GEORGE FORMAN - ONE OF THE SECRETS TO HIS SUCCESS?

Just last month I had the opportunity to hear former World Champion George foreman talk about his amazing boxing career and during his talk he discussed some of the major highlights of his career including winning the world championship from Joe Frazier and losing it to Muhammad Ali (at the Rumble in the Jungle) and then winning it back at the age of 45...becoming the oldest fighter ever to win the world heavyweight crown in the process.

He also discussed personal parts of his life like going broke just 10 years after retiring from boxing and the decision to hit the boxing circuit again at the age of 40...Boxing in some cases for just $2,500 per night.

Upon listening to Foreman talk I realized that aside from the fact that he obviously didn't believe in the word "defeat", I also realized that Mr. Foreman possesses one of the most important traits an individual can possess if he wants to become a Peak Performer.

And that trait is persistence.

Persistence is a trait I discuss in detail in more than half of my current seminars because I firmly believe that this one trait alone can do more for a sales or business professionals' success than the majority of other traits she or he can possess, or develop for that matter.

It's also a trait that I credit for a large part of any success I've enjoyed over the years.

Why? Because if I would have given up on the many prospects that told me over the years they weren't ready for my product or service then I might in fact be ten dollars less than broke today.

Now, just to clarify, when I talk about being persistent I'm not talking about being pushy or aggressive, I'm talking about continuing to call on a prospect even after they have long given up on the idea of doing business with you.

I believe this act of continuing to call on a prospect even when they are not ready is so important partly because requirements and personnels' change, partly because new needs develop, and partly because it takes time to earn a prospect's trust.

In fact, I have found in my experience that over time if you do enough of the little things right in your continued communication with each prospect, and never give up on that prospect unless it is truly merited, they will eventually gain enough trust in you to at least give you an opportunity.

This is also assuming that you are treating the prospect with respect and not overstepping any lines or boundaries, of course.

And if that prospect eventually gives you an opportunity to bid for their business...isn't that is all you can really ask for?

Of course, there are many variables in the world of sales so an opportunity doesn't necessarily mean an order, but it's certainly better than the dreaded "I'm sorry, we already have a supplier that we are extremely happy with"

.....He say's with a smile.

CP