Alright, let's have a little heart to heart.
We've all heard the phrase "kill your ego," but let's be real, that's easier said than done. Our egos are our constant companions, whispering in our ear that we're the best, that we can do no wrong, and that we don't need anyone else's help to succeed. But if there's one thing I've learned in my years of sales, it's that the EGO LIKES SIMPLE.
It doesn't want us to take risks, to try something new, or to admit that we need help. It wants us to stick to the tried and true, to play it safe, and to be content with mediocrity. Let's explore how simplicity can help us overcome our egos and reach new heights in our sales careers.
First, let's talk about why the ego likes simple.
Our minds are wired to conserve energy, and our egos are no exception. When presented with a complex problem, our brains have to work harder to come up with a solution. That's why our egos prefer to stick to familiar patterns, habits, and routines. They're easy, comfortable, and require minimal effort. But what's easy isn't always what's best for us. In sales, we need to be constantly adapting, learning, and improving. We need to be willing to try new things, take risks, and push ourselves out of our comfort zones. And that's where simplicity comes in.
Simplicity doesn't mean dumbing things down or taking shortcuts. It means focusing on what's essential and cutting out the noise. It means being honest with ourselves about what's working and what's not and being willing to make changes accordingly. It means being willing to ask for help, to admit when we don't know something, and to be open to feedback. Simplicity is about being efficient, effective, and adaptable. When we simplify our approach to sales, we free up mental energy to focus on what matters most: building relationships, solving problems, and adding value.
Ok, sounds reasonable...but how do I overcome my ego by embracing simplicity?
One way is to identify our limiting beliefs. What stories are we telling ourselves about why we can't succeed? What excuses are we making for not taking action? Once we're aware of these limiting beliefs, we can challenge them and replace them with more empowering beliefs.
For example, if we believe that we're not good at cold calling, we can reframe that belief by saying, "I'm still learning how to be effective at cold calling, but I can improve with practice and feedback."
Another way to overcome our egos is to focus on small wins (this is VERY underrated).
When we set big, audacious goals, our egos can get in the way by telling us that we'll never achieve them. But when we focus on small, achievable goals, we build momentum and confidence. We prove to ourselves that we're capable of making progress, and that can be incredibly empowering. For example, instead of setting a goal to close 10 deals this month, we could set a goal to have one meaningful conversation with a prospect each day. That's a goal that's simple, achievable, and in our control.
When we simplify our approach to sales, we become more efficient, which means we can accomplish more in less time. We're also more effective because we're able to focus on what's most impactful. We're not wasting our time on tasks that don't move the needle. Simplicity also helps us build better relationships with our clients. When we're not focused on closing the deal at all costs, we're able to listen more deeply, understand their needs, and offer solutions that truly add value. Ultimately, simplicity helps us build trust, which is the foundation of any successful relationship.
The ego may like simple, but that doesn't mean we have to be content with mediocrity. By embracing simplicity, we can overcome our egos, become more efficient and effective, and build better relationships with our clients. Simplifying our approach isn't always easy, but it's worth it. So, the next time your ego starts whispering in your ear, telling you to play it safe, remember that simplicity is your secret weapon. Use it wisely.