There are so many ways to forge a career in sports now that weren’t as readily available to me when I joined the workforce — scholastic programs, mentorships, counselors, publications, websites. The list goes on. Back in the day, I had only my instincts and took opportunities that just felt right. Some of those opportunities included waitressing, quitting jobs to travel, working long hours for pennies, and temping. None of them sound like choices that advance a career, but each one in their own way did, and without those experiences, I wouldn’t have the skill sets and fortitude that have allowed me to find success in sales and life.
Diverse Life Experiences Contribute to a Strong Skill Set
Waitressing provided me with everything I need to know about hospitality and service. Travel has taught me how to be resourceful, fostered my appreciation of other cultures and helped me find comfort being outside of my comfort zone. Working extremely hard and for long hours without being compensated or celebrated builds character and grit. Temp jobs and periods of unemployment gave me more time to evaluate critical decisions and make commitments based on what I’m passionate about and not what will pay the bills.
Fortunately, there have been significant career stints in between all these amazing life experiences, and I firmly believe that part of my forward progression is due in large part to my desire and ability to be both interesting and curious. One of the most important things I’ve learned on my professional journey is to build true relationships — the basis of many careers and especially a career in sales — you need to have a balance of both.
Why Culture and Curiosity are a Sales Deal Maker
When you engage in conversation, someone is usually doing the talking. If it’s you, then to keep a captive audience, you must have something interesting to say. That means you need to have experiences you can draw on or be knowledgeable about a variety of places, things and events, and you must be a good storyteller. If you’re doing the listening, then you need to be genuinely curious about what’s being said. Ask engaging questions, learn more about the subject and be excited about the content. If you can’t do either of those things, then you won’t earn a seat at the table, and you can forget about getting the sale. The last thing a client wants is to talk to another salesperson.
You might be tempted to stick firmly to the sports track, but if there’s something off course that you’ve always wanted to do or try, go for it. Those are the life experiences that will cultivate culture and curiosity. So, live a full life and embrace the plethora of opportunities to choose from. When you make decisions that you are passionate about, you will thrive and ultimately success will follow.