Curious, Not Judgmental: Ted Lasso’s Guide to Successful Selling

Last Tuesday we looked at the Top 4 lessons from Tommy Boy so this week I decided to do a blog on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.

If you haven’t watched Ted Lasso on Apple TV, you are really missing out! This show has so much heart, optimism, and belly-laughing humor. It’s winning all the awards and I see great parallels between the show’s lessons and sales lessons on how you can be a better sales pro and coach. 

In season one we meet Ted Lasso, a Kansas High School Football coach, starting his new career as Head Coach of an English Football team. He has zero experience with the rules, strategy, and terms used in the game. He should be completely out of his element but he persists with kindness, positivity, and a lightning-fast wit filled with pop culture references and unending optimism.

Every episode gives you “the feels” and some excellent life lessons. This is one of those shows that justifies the amount of time I spend watching TV!

Today let’s talk about the one and only Ted Lasso, and ask him for his best tips to help inspire me, and maybe you too. Let’s act as if Ted Lasso is speaking and coaching us.

Here’s my favorite scene below

Enjoy, David

*Here’s Ted!

Greetings, sales team! It’s a pleasure to be here with you all today. As some of you may know, I’m Ted Lasso, and I’m here to offer some advice on how you can elevate your sales game.

First and foremost, I want to remind you all to be curious, not judgmental.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make as salespeople is assuming we know everything there is to know about our clients or customers. The truth is, we’ll never know everything about them, but we can always strive to learn more. So ask questions, be curious, and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. This will help you build stronger relationships with your clients and ultimately close more deals.

Another important lesson from my experience as a coach is to start where you are.

Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, it’s important to assess where you are and set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others or get discouraged by setbacks. Focus on your own progress and take steps every day to improve.

When it comes to feedback, remember to value the opinions of those who matter and forget the rest.

Not everyone’s opinion is worth your time or energy. Seek out feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, and clients who can help you grow and improve. And don’t forget to take the time to give feedback to others as well. It’s a two-way street.

Now, you may be wondering what it means to be a goldfish.

Well, in my experience, it means having a short memory when it comes to mistakes or setbacks. Learn from them, but don’t dwell on them. Instead, focus on the present moment and the opportunities ahead of you. This mindset can help you stay positive and motivated even in challenging times.

To be your best self, you need to nurture the best version of yourself.

This means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Make time for exercise, meditation, and self-reflection. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. By investing in yourself, you’ll be better equipped to serve your clients and achieve your goals.

In sales, making quality connections is key.

It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about building relationships that will last. Take the time to get to know your clients on a personal level, and show them that you care about their needs and goals. This will help you build trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term success.

Remember to make others look and feel good.

Celebrate their successes, offer encouragement when they face challenges, and be generous with your praise. By lifting others up, you’ll create a positive environment that inspires everyone to do their best.

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously.

Be vulnerable, and don’t be afraid to show your human side. We all make mistakes, and sometimes the best way to connect with others is by sharing our struggles and challenges. By being open and authentic, you’ll build deeper connections with your clients and colleagues, and ultimately become a more effective salesperson.

So there you have it, sales team. These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned from my time as a coach, and I hope they’ll help you as you navigate the world of sales. And remember, if you ever need a little inspiration, there’s no better time to brush up on the lessons from Ted Lasso Seasons 1-3. Good luck, and happy selling!

Ted Lasso

*Credit Phil Gerbyshak for this article.

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Author: David Matney

Payment Technology Specialist at Payment Lynx

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