If you listen to any super successful sales executive, they will tell you they never stop trying to master their craft. Sales people come from a variety of backgrounds and the good ones have a multitude of techniques and practices. Of course, being authentic and never coming off as disingenuous is critical but that does not mean you cannot add skills to help you close those deals and grow your career. Here are a few of our favorite books to help boost your bottom line:
Way of the Wolf: Straight Line Selling: Master the Art of Persuasion, Influence, and Success
Jordan Belfort—immortalized by Leonardo DiCaprio in the hit movie The Wolf of Wall Street—reveals the step-by-step sales and persuasion system proven to turn anyone into a sales-closing, money-earning rock star.
The Greatest Salesman in the World (2 book series)
More than 4 million copies in circulation, this is an extremely popular sales book that has been around for decades. It employs several stories or “scrolls” to help teach critical lessons. A fairly easy read, it has a completely different flavor than the other books you will see on this list but it makes it no less valuable.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Revised Edition
Dr. Robert B. Cialdini—the seminal expert in the field of influence and persuasion—explains the psychology of why people say yes and how to apply these principles ethically in business and everyday situations. You may be surprised that people may be motivated more by loss than gain. This is just one example of many that Cialdini addresses in the book.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
From the famous author and podcast host, Tim Ferriss, comes his book based on several interviews with a variety of titans of their own industries. Ferriss describes it as:
“Everything has been vetted, explored, and applied to my own life in some fashion. I’ve used dozens of the tactics and philosophies in high-stakes negotiations, high-risk environments, or large business dealings. The lessons have made me millions of dollars and saved me years of wasted effort and frustration. I created this book, my ultimate notebook of high-leverage tools, for myself. It’s changed my life, and I hope the same for you.”
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