Need some sales inspiration that doesn’t involve a trip to the movie theater? Look no further than your TV screen! From classic sitcoms to intense dramas, these shows offer valuable lessons on closing deals, building relationships, and mastering the art of persuasion. So grab the remote and get ready for a binge-watching session with this Friday’s Top 10 TV Sales Shows for Salespeople:
From the Home office in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
Here are this Friday’s Top 10 TV Sales Shows for Salespeople
10. Succession
Sales Lesson: This satirical drama dives deep into the world of media moguls, showcasing high-stakes negotiations, power dynamics, and the art of persuasion at the highest level. Watch how the Roy siblings and their associates maneuver, manipulate, and close deals that can make or break empires.
Why it matters for Salespeople: “Succession” provides a glimpse into the world of complex deal-making, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking, reading people, and leveraging relationships to achieve your goals.
9. The Office
Sales Lesson: While Michael Scott might not be the ideal sales manager, this hilarious sitcom offers a surprisingly insightful look at the dynamics of a sales team. Observe how different personalities approach their work, deal with office politics, and strive to meet their quotas (with varying degrees of success).
Why it matters for Salespeople: “The Office” reminds us to find humor in the everyday challenges of sales, build strong relationships with colleagues, and always strive for a positive work environment.
8. Parks and Recreation
Sales Lesson: Though not explicitly about sales, this heartwarming comedy showcases the power of passion, creativity, and community engagement. Leslie Knope’s unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to her work are infectious, and her ability to rally support for her ideas is a valuable skill for any salesperson.
Why it matters for Salespeople: This show reminds us that building relationships, understanding your audience, and genuinely believing in your product or service are essential for success.
7. Silicon Valley
Sales Lesson: This satirical comedy dives into the fast-paced world of tech startups, highlighting the challenges of pitching ideas, securing funding, and navigating a competitive market. Watch how Richard Hendricks and his team overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and ultimately strive to bring their vision to life.
Why it matters for Salespeople: In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it’s crucial to be adaptable, innovative, and able to effectively communicate the value of your product or service.
6. Shark Tank
Sales Lesson: This reality show offers a front-row seat to the high-stakes world of pitching and negotiation. Observe how entrepreneurs present their ideas, handle objections, and ultimately try to secure investments from the “Sharks.”
Why it matters for Salespeople: “Shark Tank” provides valuable insights into crafting a compelling pitch, anticipating questions, and confidently presenting your value proposition.
5. Mad Men
Sales Lesson: Set in the glamorous world of 1960s advertising, this drama explores the art of persuasion, branding, and understanding consumer psychology. Don Draper’s charismatic persona and ability to craft compelling narratives offer a masterclass in influence and closing deals.
Why it matters for Salespeople: “Mad Men” reminds us of the importance of building a strong brand, understanding your target audience, and tailoring your message to resonate with their desires and aspirations.
4. Billions
Sales Lesson: This intense drama delves into the world of high finance, showcasing the power of negotiation, risk-taking, and strategic thinking. Bobby Axelrod’s relentless pursuit of success and his ability to navigate complex deals offer valuable lessons in closing high-stakes deals.
Why it matters for Salespeople: “Billions” highlights the importance of understanding your market, building strong relationships, and staying ahead of the competition.
3. Suits
Sales Lesson: This legal drama might not seem like an obvious choice for a sales list, but it’s packed with scenes of negotiation, persuasion, and closing deals. Harvey Specter’s confident demeanor and strategic approach to winning cases offer valuable lessons in building rapport and influencing others.
Why it matters for Salespeople: “Suits” emphasizes the importance of preparation, confidence, and thinking on your feet in high-pressure situation
2. The Apprentice
Sales Lesson: This reality show puts aspiring entrepreneurs through a series of challenging tasks designed to test their business acumen, including sales and negotiation skills. Observe how contestants handle pressure, work as a team, and strive to impress their demanding boss.
Why it matters for Salespeople: “The Apprentice” highlights the importance of leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in a competitive business environment.
And the # 1 Top 10 TV Sales Shows for Salespeople is ….
1. The Profit
Sales Lesson: “The Profit” offers a masterclass in business turnaround, and Marcus Lemonis’s approach, particularly his focus on People, Process, and Product, can be directly applied to selling merchant services.
The 3 P’s of Selling Merchant Services (The Profit Style):
- People: In merchant services, your “people” are multifaceted:
- Yourself: You are the face of your business. Lemonis emphasizes authenticity and integrity. Be genuine, build trust, and demonstrate your expertise. Invest in your own training and development to become a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson. This also includes the team you build around you, if applicable.
- Your Clients (Merchants): Understand their needs intimately. Don’t just sell a product; offer solutions. Lemonis digs deep to understand a business’s challenges. Do the same. Ask questions, listen actively, and tailor your pitch to their specific situation. Are they struggling with chargebacks? Do they need mobile payment solutions? Are their rates too high? Address their pain points directly.
- Your Support Team: The back-end support you offer is crucial. A smooth onboarding process, responsive customer service, and readily available technical assistance are vital for client retention. Just like Lemonis relies on his team, you need a reliable support system to ensure client satisfaction.
- Process: A streamlined and efficient process is essential for success:
- Sales Process: Develop a clear and consistent sales process, from prospecting to closing and onboarding. Lemonis is a stickler for systems. Create a CRM system to track leads, manage communication, and follow up effectively. Have standardized presentations and proposals ready.
- Onboarding Process: Make the transition to your merchant services as seamless as possible for the client. Provide clear instructions, offer training, and ensure their equipment is set up correctly. A smooth onboarding process leads to happy, long-term clients.
- Customer Service Process: Establish a clear process for handling customer inquiries and issues. Respond promptly and efficiently to questions and concerns. Proactive communication is key. Don’t wait for problems to arise; check in with your clients regularly to ensure they’re satisfied.
- Product: Your “product” is the suite of merchant services you offer:
- Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the value of your services. Don’t just focus on price; highlight the benefits, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved security, and better customer experience. Just like Lemonis evaluates the product’s quality, you need to understand the ins and outs of the services you offer and how they stack up against the competition.
- Product Knowledge: Become an expert on your product offerings. Understand the different types of payment processing, POS systems, and other related services. Be able to answer any questions your clients may have.
- Adaptability: The payments landscape is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends. Be willing to adapt your product offerings to meet the changing needs of your clients. Lemonis constantly pushes businesses to innovate; you should do the same with your merchant services offerings.
By focusing on People, Process, and Product, you can transform your approach to selling merchant services, build stronger relationships with clients, and achieve greater success. Just like Marcus Lemonis, you can help businesses thrive by providing them with the right tools and support.
Have a great weekend,
David
