Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! Thank You For Smoking

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.

Thank You for Smoking is a 2005 comedy-drama film that follows the exploits of Nick Naylor, a tobacco lobbyist who uses his skills of persuasion and spin to defend the interests of his industry. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Buckley, and it offers a satirical look at the world of lobbying, public relations, and corporate influence.

While the film is not meant to be taken as a serious guide for salespeople, it does contain some valuable lessons that can be applied to the art of selling. Here are some of the sales lessons that can be learned by watching Thank You for Smoking:

Know your audience. Nick Naylor knows how to tailor his message to different audiences, whether it is a TV show host, a senator, a reporter, or a schoolboy. He understands what motivates them, what challenges them, and what appeals to them. He uses this knowledge to craft his arguments and persuade them to see things his way. As a salesperson, you need to know your audience as well. You need to do your research, ask questions, listen actively, and empathize with their needs and goals. You need to adapt your pitch and your style to suit their preferences and personality.

Anticipate objections. The lobbyist is always prepared for the objections that his opponents might raise. He knows how to counter them with facts, logic, emotion, or humor. He does not let them derail his agenda or weaken his position. He even uses them as opportunities to reinforce his points and turn the tables on his adversaries. As a salesperson, you need to anticipate objections as well. You need to identify the common concerns that your prospects might have, and prepare effective responses that address them. You need to handle objections with confidence and professionalism, and use them as chances to build trust and rapport.

Tell stories. He is a master storyteller. He knows how to use stories to capture attention, engage emotions, illustrate benefits, and inspire action. He uses stories to make his arguments more memorable, relatable, and persuasive. He also uses stories to create rapport and connection with his audience. As a salesperson, you need to tell stories as well. You need to use stories to showcase your value proposition, demonstrate your credibility, highlight your success stories, and differentiate yourself from the competition. You also need to use stories to connect with your prospects on a personal level and show them that you care.

Be creative. Nick is not afraid to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to his problems. He is always looking for new angles, new strategies, new allies, and new opportunities. He does not let obstacles or setbacks stop him from achieving his goals. He is willing to take risks and try new things. As a salesperson, you need to be creative as well. You need to look for new ways to reach out to your prospects, generate interest, overcome challenges, and close deals. You need to experiment with different approaches and techniques, and learn from your failures and successes.

Have fun. Nick Naylor enjoys his job and has fun doing it. He does not take himself too seriously or let the stress get to him. He has a sense of humor and a positive attitude that helps him cope with the difficulties and criticisms that he faces. He also has a passion for his product and his industry that makes him enthusiastic and persuasive. As a salesperson, you need to have fun as well. You need to find joy in your work and have fun doing it. You need to have a sense of humor and a positive attitude that helps you deal with the challenges and rejections that you encounter. You also need to have a passion for your product and your industry that makes you excited and convincing.

Some of the best sales or inspirational quotes in the Thank You For Smoking movie are:

"I don't have an M.D. or Law degree. I have a bachelors in kicking ass and taking names." - Nick Naylor

"That's the beauty of argument, if you argue correctly, you're never wrong." - Nick Naylor

"Everyone's got a mortgage to pay." - Nick Naylor

"We don't sell Tic Tacs, for Christ's sake, we sell cigarettes. And they're cool, available, and addictive. The job is almost done for us." - BR

"I believe that we need freedom. And choice when it comes to our ice-cream, and that Joey Naylor, that is the definition of liberty." - Nick Naylor

"My job requires a certain... moral flexibility." - Nick Naylor

"The message Hollywood needs to send out is that smoking is cool. We can put the sex back into cigarettes." - Nick Naylor

"The great state of Vermont will not apologize for its cheese!" - Senator Ortolan Finistirre

 "It's like you always said, Dad, 'If you want an easy job, go work for the Red Cross.'" - Joey Naylor

 "Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent." - Nick Naylor

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