Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! The Pursuit of Happiness

 Watch and Learn!

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought.

At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

The Pursuit of Happiness is a movie based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who went from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker. The movie shows his struggles, challenges, and triumphs as he pursues his dream of a better life for himself and his son.

The movie is not only inspiring, but also full of valuable sales lessons that can help anyone who wants to improve their sales skills and performance. Here are some of the key takeaways from the movie:

Have a clear vision and goal. Chris Gardner had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve: to become a stockbroker and provide a comfortable life for his son. He did not let anything distract him from his goal, even when he faced hardships and setbacks. He kept his eyes on the prize and worked hard to make it happen. Having a clear vision and goal can help you stay focused, motivated, and resilient in sales.

Be persistent and proactive. Chris Gardner did not give up easily. He faced many rejections, obstacles, and difficulties, but he did not let them stop him. He kept knocking on doors, making calls, and looking for opportunities. He was proactive and took initiative to find leads, prospects, and clients. He did not wait for things to happen; he made them happen. Being persistent and proactive can help you overcome challenges, find solutions, and create opportunities in sales.

Build rapport and trust. Chris Gardner was able to build rapport and trust with his prospects and
clients by being genuine, honest, and respectful. He showed interest in them, listened to their needs, and offered value. He did not try to manipulate or pressure them; he tried to help them. He also followed up with them and delivered on his promises. Building rapport and trust can help you establish long-term relationships, loyalty, and referrals in sales.

Learn from feedback and failure. Chris Gardner was open to feedback and willing to learn from his mistakes. He did not take rejection personally; he took it as an opportunity to improve. He sought advice from his mentors, peers, and managers, and applied their tips and suggestions. He also learned from his own failures and successes, and used them as motivation to do better. Learning from feedback and failure can help you grow, adapt, and excel in sales.

Be positive and optimistic. Chris Gardner had a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook. He did not let negative emotions or circumstances affect his performance or mood. He always looked for the bright side of things and found reasons to be grateful. He also encouraged himself and his son with positive affirmations and words of wisdom. He believed in himself and his potential. Being positive and optimistic can help you cope with stress, boost your confidence, and attract more success in sales.

Here are some of the best quotes from the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, based on the true story of Chris Gardner:

"The world is your oyster. It's up to you to find the pearls." 

"Others may question your credentials, your papers, your degrees. Others may look for all kinds of ways to diminish your worth. But what is inside you no one can take from you or tarnish. This is your worth, who you really are, your degree that can go with you wherever you go, that you bring with you the moment you come into a room, that can't be manipulated or shaken. Without that sense of self, no amount of paper, no pedigree, and no credentials can make you legit. No matter what, you have to feel legit inside first."  

"I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?" 

"Walk that walk and go forward all the time. Don't just talk that talk, walk it and go forward. Also, the walk didn't have to be long strides; baby steps counted too. Go forward." 

"This part of my life is called 'happiness.'" 

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