Episode 235, Progress: The Game-Changer in Sales and Life Three Word Podcast

Sales Meetings with Purpose. Lisa Thal is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, and Business Coach with over 37 years of marketing, sales, and leadership experience. She wrote the book Three Word Meetings. Lisa coaches leaders on creating sales and business meetings with fun and interesting 3-word topics that spark conversation and inspire sales teams.
 
"The Power of Incremental Improvement"
 
In episode 235, of Progress Over Perfect, we explore the transformative power of small, consistent steps as we discard the unachievable pursuit of perfection in sales and life and celebrate the power of progress. 
Progress: The Game-Changer in Sales and Life
Let's consider the word Perfect. We often hear of the "perfect pitch," the "perfect sale," or the "perfect life." Yet pursuing perfection can create undue stress and unrealistic expectations. What if we shift our lens slightly, replacing one word with another that rewards effort and growth? This is where the power of progress shines through—changing just this word can immensely impact your mindset, approach to sales, and overall life.
 
The Burden of Perfection
Striving for perfection in anything from a sales strategy to personal goals operates under the assumption that we can reach a final, flawless state. However, the pursuit often leaves a trail of disheartened moments as we realize that perfection is a moving target, always out of reach. The pressure can lead to procrastination, fear of failure, and burnout.
 
Progress: A Shift in Mindset
When we replace "perfect" with "progress," we adopt a growth mindset. This subtle yet monumental shift celebrates each step we take, recognizing that improvement is not just about the destination but also about the learning process. Become a lifelong learner!
 
Here's how it works:
 
Fostering Resilience
Rejection is a common hurdle in sales. By focusing on progress, every 'no' becomes a stepping stone to refining your approach, building resilience, and adapting strategies for future opportunities. The word' no' now shifts to' not yet! '
 
Encouraging Innovation
The quest for perfection can be paralyzing and result in little growth. Progress, on the other hand, encourages experimentation and innovation. It might mean trying new techniques, tapping into unexplored markets, or personalizing sales interactions with prospective clients.
 
Re-defining Success
When success is no longer defined by a perfect outcome but by continual improvement, morale and motivation remain high. In both sales and life, celebrating little victories maintains momentum and morale, which are crucial for long-term success.
 
Building Authentic Connections
Perfection can create a façade, creating distance between sales professionals and clients. Progress breeds authenticity, allowing us to connect on a human level, share our improvements, and develop trust—critical ingredients in a successful sales relationship.
 
Learning from Mistakes
Perfection dismisses mistakes; progress learns from them. Every error in a sales pitch or personal goal is an opportunity to learn valuable lessons that will shape future strategies and actions.
 
Maintaining Balance
Striving for progress allows for a balanced approach to work and life. Understanding that there will always be room for improvement helps alleviate the pressure to be perfect in everything, thus supporting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
 
Applying Progress in Real Life
Here are some practical ways you can integrate the concept of progress into your daily routine:
Set realistic goals that are achievable and measurable. Celebrate when you meet these goals, however small. Goals that stretch you to learn and grow.
Practice reflection after sales calls or at the end of the day, identifying what worked and could be improved.
Develop a learning plan to enhance skills crucial to your sales and personal development growth.
Cultivate a supportive environment by sharing your progress with others and encoura