How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling Book Summary - How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling Book explained in key points
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How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling summary

Frank Bettger

Sales, Trust Building and the Road to Enthusiasm

4.2 (52 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

'How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling' by Frank Bettger is a practical guide to effective sales techniques. It shares key insights and strategies for building long-term relationships with customers and closing deals.

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    How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling
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    If you feel it, you will be it. Fake being enthusiastic until the real energy kicks in and inspires you.

    Have you ever wondered how salespeople manage to stay so upbeat and positive, even though every day people tell them no? A salesperson probably gets ten rejections for every successful sale.

    The secret is enthusiasm. And luckily, being enthusiastic is something anyone can learn.

    So what’s the first step? You simply need to act enthusiastic to eventually be enthusiastic.

    Consider Frank Bettger, who before becoming a salesman was a baseball player in the minor leagues. Although Frank was ambitious and eager to join the big leagues, he failed to show that ambition on the field and eventually got fired.

    So what exactly was Bettger’s problem?

    He was paralyzed by his fear of failure. And in trying to hide his fear, he made safe plays and appeared unexcited by the game.

    After being fired, Bettger played for a lesser league, taking a huge pay cut in the process. He naturally wasn’t enthusiastic about his new position. But he made sure not to let it show. Instead, he forced himself to be enthusiastic about his new team.

    Interestingly, Bettger’s initial “fake” enthusiasm helped him overcome his fear of failure, allowing him to focus more on the game itself. His playing improved, he inspired his teammates and he was even able to negotiate better pay.

    You might be thinking, “Sure, good for Bettger, but how does this help me?” Enthusiasm isn’t just for people who play sports for a living; it’s also the key to success for salespeople.

    Once he retired from baseball, Bettger became an insurance salesman, but after ten months on the job he already wanted to quit. He realized however that his lack of enthusiasm for his new job was holding him back, just as it had when he was playing ball.

    Bettger worked hard to be enthusiastic, and took this new attitude to his next sales meeting. As a result, he nailed it and made his very first sale!

    So if you act enthusiastic, you actually start feeling enthusiastic. And enthusiasm makes everything easier!

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    What is How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling about?

    In How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling (1947), veteran salesman Frank Bettger shares his secrets to sales success. Offering practical advice and proven sales strategies, these blinks will teach you how to win clients and skyrocket your sales career.

    How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling Review

    How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling (1947) is a book that provides valuable insights into the world of sales and how to achieve success in this field. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its practical strategies and techniques, it offers actionable advice that can be implemented immediately, helping readers improve their selling skills.
    • The book includes real-life examples and personal anecdotes, making it relatable and engaging, and illustrating how the author transformed his own selling career.
    • Its enthusiastic tone and inspirational stories keep readers hooked, ensuring that the book is never boring and igniting a sense of motivation to strive for success.

    Best quote from How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling

    Enthusiasm alone did it; nothing but enthusiasm.

    —Frank Bettger
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    Who should read How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling?

    • Aspiring salespeople looking for tricks of the trade
    • Entrepreneurs interested in honing their sales skills
    • Long-time salespeople wanting to rekindle their sales energy

    About the Author

    Frank Bettger started out as a baseball player before moving on to a stellar career in sales. Mentored by famous self-help author Dale Carnegie, Bettger found success by applying his teacher’s knowledge the art of selling.

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    How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling FAQs 

    What is the main message of How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling?

    The main message of How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling is the transformational power of developing effective selling skills and adopting a positive mindset.

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    The reading time for How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling a good book? Is it worth reading?

    How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling is definitely worth reading. It provides valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that can benefit both novice and experienced salespeople.

    Who is the author of How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling?

    Frank Bettger is the author of How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling.

    What to read after How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling?

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