I gotta admit — one of my favorite “reality” shows is Tapout.
I don’t usually watch reality shows.
In fact, I think most are pretty stoopid.
But I’m a BIG Tapout fan.
The show is about three dudes who travel the country, constantly looking for up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters to sponsor and wear their clothes.
And it contains lots of cool “real-world” lessons on what it takes to win, succeed and dominate not only in professional fighting — but in all life.
Anyway, I can’t get enough of the adventures (and misadventures) of Punkass, Skyscrape and Mask. (The three amigos who star in the show).
And if you are into martial arts or UFC or anything that has anything to do with guys trying to kick the crap out of each other… you will probably love this show, too.
So what does this have to do with your sales and marketing?
Why should you care?
Because during the last show I watched, I couldn’t help but see all the ways martial arts relates to business.
Especially selling.
See, I think learning sales is a LOT like learning martial arts.
For example, in some martial arts (not all), they teach you to fall before teaching you how to fight.
And it’s not a bad idea in sales, too — i.e. learning what NOT to do, first.
Here are a few of the more common sales “blunders” many of us make at one time or another (I know I have!).
Just making sure you DON’T do these can go a long way towards ratcheting up your sales:
1. Being boring
2. Refusing to offend anyone
3. Relying on “tricks” and “tactics” instead of strategy
4. Not respecting your prospect
5. Bragging
6. Trying to create demand… instead of VISION
7. “Convincing” instead of persuading
I can go into more detail about each of these in the future.
In the meantime, if you’re committing any of these selling mistakes — STOP.
Because you’re basically like a fighter kicking is own butt:
Even if your “technique” is good, you still hurt yourself.
Ben Settle
P.S. The Copywriting Grab Bag discount list comes down today.
In fact, I’ll probably remove the sign-up form within the next hour or so. If you are not on it yet, and want a big discount on the book when it’s ready, now’s your last chance:
