Stop avoiding strangers, start making more money
+underrated sales traits every rep should develop, from a sales coach
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I recall the first time I came across Grant Cardone. He was a confident, sometimes controversial, sales trainer who had built impressive businesses and trained sales teams to be high performers. There was something about his swagger and confidence that motivated me.
He mentioned something that I’ll never forget:
“Strangers have everything you want…”
“Your parents taught you not to talk to strangers, that’s why they are not rich!”
These statements stuck with me and cultivated my drive to become the best sales professional that I could be. I’ve learned that sales is all about talking to strangers. Sellers spend their entire days interrupting a stranger’s day and convincing them that what they have will solve a problem.
I believe this is why sales professionals are compensated so well when successful. Sellers deal with an enormous amount of rejection daily and often engage with people who have no desire to engage with them. However, as a result, sales professionals create revenue opportunities out of thin air. This is why, when done well, sales is a highly valued skill. It all starts with talking to a stranger.
Here are a few reasons why you should talk to strangers more:
Strangers = opportunity
Every stranger is a potential client, connector, or referral source. The person you strike up a conversation with in line at the coffee shop could need exactly what you sell, or know someone who does. You can’t predict which conversation will change your month, but you can increase your odds by having more conversations.
Talking to strangers builds confidence
Sales is an emotional game. The more you practice approaching people cold, the more resilient and confident you become. That confidence spills over into your cold calls, demos, and negotiations. You start owning rooms, not just filling them.
Sharpens your listening skills and keep it customer-centric
When you talk to people with no agenda, you sharpen your listening skills. You become more curious. You ask better questions, and that skill translates directly into discovery calls and closing deals.
It builds pipeline
Cold calling can feel robotic. But real-world conversations are energizing. The more you engage with real people authentically, in person, online, or anywhere, the more natural your outreach becomes.
Your ability to talk to strangers is directly tied to your success in sales. The fear most people have of initiating conversations is the barrier that keeps them from growing, personally and financially. But sellers who lean into the discomfort, who turn strangers into opportunities, are the ones who win.
The more strangers you talk to, the more money you can make.
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Until next time,
Tajh
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