I have been accused of being a “Bible-thumper” in my life, and if I’m honest, I am proud of that title. To say that I’m a fan of the Bible would be an understatement. It’s been my life’s guide, and the ultimate handbook on how to handle most everything in life. The Bible is full of what I call easy preaching…but hard execution. Execution is the hard part, and very few people do it. Make no mistake, I’m certainly not a “prosperity gospel” guy, but I do think there are some practical principles in the scriptures that put us in better position for wealth attainment. I have outlined some of my favorites below:
- Out-work everyone. Proverbs 10:4 says, “lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” The world is full of lazy sellers, and if you chose sales because you thought it would be easy, then you have made a huge mistake. This profession is full of ambiguity…there doesn’t seem to be a handbook that tells you what to do, when to do it, and how. Work ethic is the one common attribute I see in all sellers who have big earnings.
- Think marathon, not sprint: Proverbs 13:11 says, “riches gotten quickly will dwindle, but those who acquire them gradually become wealthy.” Software sales is a highly paid profession…full of a few ups, but full of many more downs. Time in the market beats timing in the market. Stay at it, and over time you’ll accumulate a few big W-2s.
- Lose your pride: Ecclesiastes 5:19 says, “every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.” I’ve had several big years and one thing is certain: much of the success in those years I can’t really track to logic! All good things come from above, and once you realize that, it’s very humbling. It’s God who blesses you, so lose the pride and be thankful when He hands you a big W-2 you didn’t deserve!
- Have some character: Proverbs 13:22, “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Sellers who lie to customers, or cheat to get ahead, or sell their soul to the devil may have an isolated big year or two. However, over time, it’s the just man who wins in the long run. Do the right thing when no one’s looking, and your customer will notice it over time and reward you.
- Take the focus off you. Proverbs 11:25 says, “the generous soul will prosper; those who refresh others will himself be refreshed.” Focusing on the needs of your buyer will always win. Those needs can sometimes be shared with their company’s goals, but more often they are personal wins or needs. Appeal to those, and you’ll find your generosity will prosper you and propel your company’s solution to victory.
Most of the “good guys and gals” in our business I’ve known have done very well. Be a good human not because there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but because being a good human has rewards beyond a W-2.
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