Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! The Founder

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 Founder", a film that chronicles the story of Ray Kroc and his journey in building the McDonald's empire, offers a treasure trove of sales and business lessons that entrepreneurs and sales professionals can learn from. Here are some key takeaways:

Be Curious: Curiosity can lead to significant discoveries and opportunities. Ray Kroc's curiosity about why a small diner would order an unusually large number of milkshake machines was the first step towards his massive success.

Explore New Ways: Innovation is not just about creating something new; it's also about improving existing processes. The McDonald brothers didn't invent the hamburger; they innovated the process of preparing and serving it.

Solve Customer Problems: Addressing customer pain points can set a business apart. The McDonald's model of fast service and consistent quality solved the problem of long waits and inconsistent food quality prevalent in other diners at the time.

Think Big: Having a vision and thinking beyond the present scope can lead to growth. Ray Kroc saw the potential for the McDonald's model to be replicated nationwide, which was beyond what the original owners imagined.

Persistence: Perhaps the most emphasized lesson from the movie is the power of persistence. Despite numerous rejections and challenges, Kroc's persistence was pivotal in his success.

As for a quote that encapsulates the spirit of the movie and the character of Ray Kroc, one stands out for its emphasis on the importance of persistence over innate talent or education:

"Nothing in this world can take the place of good old persistence. Talent won't. Nothing's more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius won't. Unrecognized genius is practically a cliché. Education won't. Why the world is full of educated fools. Persistence and determination alone are all powerful."

This quote reflects the relentless drive that is often necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success in business and sales. It serves as a reminder that while talent and education are valuable, they are not substitutes for the tenacity and determination needed to realize one's goals.

These lessons and the memorable quote from "The Founder" provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to excel in sales or business. They remind us that success often requires curiosity, innovation, customer focus, vision, and above all, persistence.