Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! Whiplash

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.

Whiplash is a 2014 movie that tells the story of Andrew, a young jazz drummer who joins a prestigious music school and becomes obsessed with impressing his ruthless teacher, Fletcher. The movie is a gripping portrayal of ambition, passion, and perfectionism, but it also offers some valuable lessons for salespeople. Here are some of them:

Be prepared for anything. Fletcher constantly challenges and surprises his students with unexpected tests, changes, and demands. He expects them to be ready for any situation and to adapt quickly. Salespeople should also be prepared for anything that might happen in their sales process, from objections and rejections to competitors and delays. They should have a plan B, C, and D, and be able to improvise when needed.

Seek feedback and learn from it. Andrew is determined to improve his skills and become one of the greats. He practices relentlessly, listens to feedback, and tries to learn from his mistakes. He is not afraid to ask for advice or guidance from others who are more experienced or knowledgeable. Salespeople should also seek feedback and learn from it, whether it comes from their managers, mentors, peers, or customers. They should be open to criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

Don't let fear stop you. Fletcher is a harsh and intimidating teacher who often humiliates and abuses his students. He believes that fear is a motivator that pushes them to achieve greatness. Andrew faces his fear and does not let it stop him from pursuing his dream. He challenges himself to overcome his limits and prove himself to Fletcher. Salespeople should also not let fear stop them from reaching their goals. They should face their fears of rejection, failure, or criticism, and use them as fuel to work harder and smarter.

Know your value proposition. Fletcher has a clear vision of what he wants from his students: excellence. He does not settle for anything less than perfection and does not tolerate mediocrity. He knows what he is looking for and what he can offer to his students: a chance to become the best in their field. Salespeople should also know their value proposition: what they can offer to their customers that sets them apart from the competition. They should be able to communicate their value proposition clearly and convincingly, and show how they can solve their customers' problems or needs.

Be passionate about what you do. Andrew loves jazz and drumming more than anything else in his life. He is willing to sacrifice everything for his passion, including his health, relationships, and happiness. He does not care about money or fame; he only cares about being the best drummer he can be. His passion drives him to work harder than anyone else and to never give up on his dream. Salespeople should also be passionate about what they do. They should love their product or service, their company, and their customers. They should show enthusiasm and excitement in every interaction and convey how much they care about helping their customers succeed.

Best quote: Terence Fletcher : There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".

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