Outside of professional sports, I don’t think there is another career that has as much of a need or as much material available for continuing education or professional development as the craft of sales. However, I rarely meet a successful sales person that isn’t maxing out their schedule and has time to do anything besides make their number for the month / quarter / year. So, how do you fulfill this need and take advantage of all this material while still giving you the time to succeed each month? On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week I’m going to share three ideas with you that will provide easy and practical ways for you to continue to educate and develop your skills. Idea #1 …Don’t read it, listen to the material. On the way to the airport later this morning, in the TSA line and as I walk to my gate, I’ll listen to about an hour or so of Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff (I actually read a couple years ago, but need a refresher on a few of the chapters). I use an app called audible.com, but there are several out there. If you walk your dog or shop for groceries or drive anywhere, you can provide yourself continuing education material for several hours per week. One tip on listening to continuing education material: don’t try to become a master. If there is material that you really want to absorb, buy the book / workbook or attend the seminar. Listening to material will spark ideas, and that’s half the battle. Try audible.com, follow a recorded pod cast, or choose another app and start listening your way to continued professional development.
