In The Greatest Salesman in the World, you’ll learn the unusual methods to becoming the best salesperson you can be. It turns out that the route to reaching sales targets doesn’t actually involve studying sales books or copying others’ methods. Rather, it’s about developing healthy habits and becoming a better person overall.
About the author:
Augustine “Og” MandinoII was a bestselling American author and the president of Success Unlimited magazine who passed away in 1996. He is an inductee of the National Speakers Association’s Hall of Fame. This book, The Greatest Salesman in the World, has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
Your first step into being the greatest salesman in the world is knowing why you want to be one in the first place:
Only a few people understand what it means to succeed as a salesman. They may think of it as a source of money or fame, but only a few people practice selling and know how to do it. There is a common issue that most sellers suffer from; it is to know how to attract people into buying what you have to offer.
A successful salesman should be dedicated to the business he runs, do his job with a positive spirit, and be in the right work environment to deliver correctly. This job requires high-self-confidence, where you are always aware of your worth and value. It is challenging to come up with ideas unless you follow the rules that lead you into a successful sale.
As a fantastic reference, Og Mandino had succeeded in narrating a story that attracted hundreds’ eyes; it talks about the best way to successful sales. If becoming a salesman is essential to you, make sure to stick to the exciting details of becoming the greatest salesman in the world.
Failing isn’t an excuse for quitting but a tempt that eases your way to success:
Long ago, a wealthy salesman – the greatest – named Hafid – called on his servant, Erasmus, and asked him to estimate the value of everything he owned. His servant was over-whelmed with what was asked of him. However, Hafid insisted on converting all his fortune to gold talents and donate it to the poor, leaving enough for him to live what remained of his life. Erasmus was puzzled, he kept reminding his master of the past year they’ve had, and how profitable it was. But Hafid told his servant to trust him and to stay with him until he fulfills a promise he once had to his own master when he was young.
Erasmus did what he was told. Hafid took him to a room in the house that has always been locked, which had only a plain chest with ancient leather scrolls inside. Hafid took those ten scrolls and explained that each one contains the fundamental principles to incredible sales success – the principles are the ones that Hamid followed to be the greatest salesman in the world. These scrolls were given to him by his own master. This master was going to divulge the knowledge of the scrolls to his only successor, a particular individual that would appear in his life as a sign. Hafid closes the door, pushing Erasmus into greater questions.
The scrolls stand for the concept behind Hafid’s approach to prominence and the reason why great business keys should only be passed to a person worthy of the knowledge and will put it into good use.
At a young age, Hafid took care of the animals of a respected salesman of the name Pathros. One day, he approached his master and asked if he could teach him the principles of selling. Pathros questioned Hafid on what he would do with great wealth, and he promised to take care of the poor, just like his master, if he ever becomes wealthy. Pathros then agreed on teaching him and, consequently, sent him on a mission to Bethlehem. There, he was expected to sell a beautiful red robe that stood out for its unique symbols, and if succeeded in selling it for more than its worth, Pathros promised him the profit. His master made sure to remind Hafid of the most critical key to success – perseverance. And said:
“Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.”
-Pathros
Sometimes, you get forced to give up a precious thing to get hold of more valuable things:
One of the most significant business advice is telling when you should let go of something and when not to.
Hafid went to Bethlehem on a donkey to fulfill his command but was somewhat disappointed to end up unsuccessful. However, one night, he found a man, a woman, and their child lying in a cold cave with nothing to cover their shivering bodies. The scene moved Hafid, so he offered them the robe to warm up.
The parents were so thankful for the kindness Hafid showed. He returned home to Pathros empty-handed.
Hafid reported back to his master and mentioned a bright star following him the whole way back. This star was said to be a brilliant star. The boy felt that he failed his master and kept apologizing. Pathros, on the other hand, was happy with what he did.
The point is you might take action outside your original business plan and end up succeeding in the eyes of others. Your personality shows how you view success. Selflessness is an essential element to excel.
A while later, Pathros was approaching his end because of illness. He called on Hafid and told him how he rescued a Wiseman from bandits then presented him with the plain chest that contained ten scrolls. The ill man said to him that he would become the greatest salesman in the world if he followed that content of these scrolls. After that, he gifted him with 100 gold talents to buy and sell rugs in Damascus.
Being aware of the significance of time and the worth of belief is crucial to reach success:
The first five scrolls Hafid read demonstrated the significance of time and the worth of belief. They show why you should always make the best of your time and value yourself in all life’s aspects.
“Today, I start a new life.”
One scroll tells the beauty of starting fresh. It suggests a complete rethinking of the present and the past and how it will affect the future. Create a grand plan for the goals you want to achieve for yourself.
You should walk away from the past and look forward to what is yet to come. It is never bad timing to start afresh plan for a better future.
Your primary focus should be on fulfilling these goals of yours while maintaining a straight line of the previously laid plan. You should also never forget to incorporate good habits into your routine and practice being a better version of yourself.
“I will welcome this day with love in my heart.”
However, the other scroll holds the key to succeeding in sales and other life aspects at the same time. Open your eyes every day with a heart full of love and soul with happiness. Throw away all the hate your mind carries and treat every person with respect. Let joy be the beginning of each start of the day. Walk away from all kinds of discrimination and make sure you lead your actions with pure and open intentions.
“I will persist until I succeed.”
This third scroll talks about the thing you wish for in life. It describes how the success you long to will appear at the end of your effort, not at the beginning. Patience is one virtue that every salesman must-have. A great salesman never views giving up as an option because he is not afraid of failure.
“I am nature’s greatest miracle.”
The fourth scroll mentions that you are unique in your way. It teaches you how to be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small they are. Don’t be afraid of revealing your true self to the world. You’re a beautiful creation, and the world is lucky to have you. View yourself as the world’s greatest salesman, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
“I will live this day as if it’s my last.”
The V-marked scroll teaches the importance of time. Begin with whatever you want to do at this moment because time will not pause and wait. Don’t spend your precious time dwelling on the past – it will only slow you down.
The other five scrolls show that you must master your feelings and be spiritual if you want to be a successful salesman:
“Today, I will be the master of my emotions.”
How you feel determines how your day will begin. The mood state you are in tells how happy or unhappy you feel – which is why you should learn how to take control of your feelings. Know what pulls the trigger in your mood and how to react towards that trigger.
Never let your emotions be in charge of your ship. Because if misdirected, it will break you.
“I will laugh at the world.”
Never seriously overthink your problems. If you cannot fix a situation, it’s better that you don’t worry about it.
The problems you face will not keep following you if you’re always your determined self. Maintain a healthy mind, have fun, and enjoy the moments that will lead you to success.
“Today, I will multiply my value a hundredfold.”
Your potential has no limit, and the sky is only the starting point of your journey if you are genuinely committed. Spread your wings all over the universe and add value to yourself and your sales. Let people be aware that what you have to offer is maximum quality and content – be humble and observe everyone else’s value.
“I will act now.”
Do not procrastinate; act right this moment. Don’t lose your dreams because of your inactivity.
Holding on to a plan is not enough; you have to act on it. Make the best use of each moment you have. Your life is reflected in the way you act or don’t.
“I will pray for guidance.”
Above all, don’t forget to pray. Praying is a manner of piety that you should always seek to embrace, regardless of how religious you are. Your beliefs don’t matter as long as you are aware that praying is vital for guidance. Pray for added knowledge and guidance. You’ll find peace in the prayers you utter whenever you seek and call on God.
The generous act of selflessness you do today will no doubt reflect your tomorrow:
As his master advised him, Hafid followed the principles of the scrolls, which led him to be the world’s greatest salesman. Now, as he becomes old, it was time that he passes this precious knowledge to someone as worthy.
The act of generosity he presented at the beginning of his journey led to his success. He has finally fulfilled his destiny and can rest knowing that the scrolls are in good hands, and his fortune is best given to the poor – as he promised his master.
Hafid proved that there is no limit to what you can fulfill as long as you hold on to your confidence and know in your heart that you can be the best.
“Never feel shame for trying and failing for he who has never failed is he who has never tried.”
nicew and great keep it up
Superb.. Best summery.
Thanks a lot
Interesting.
This is quite interesting and amazing. I will go through every article