Today, we are going to take a look at 11 famous salesman that have changed the way that people think about selling. They all had different styles and approaches, but they all had one thing in common: they knew how to inspire people with their words. We will examine each of these salesman's lives and careers so you can get inspired
What do you think of when you hear the word "salesman"? A sleazy guy in a suit with a briefcase, selling his wares? Or maybe someone who is trying to sell their product, but failing miserably because they are not good at it.
Well guess what- there are some famous salesmen out there! Who have completely changed the definition of salesmans. These 12 famous salesman may have had different ways of doing things than us today, but they were all successful and did something right.
At times salespeople are confused with 'marketers' and at other times they are viewed as being synonymous, but there are differences between them both.
Marketers seek out existing or potential customers, while salesmen go after their own prospects in order to make a sale. There are some famous people listed below whose primary work has been as a salesman:
1. Lee Iacocca - He began his business career as a trainee at Ford Motor Company, where he worked his way up through various positions including person and marketing director.
Later, he became an executive at Chrysler Corporation, and in 1978 was named chairman of the board. Iacocca is well known for his contribution to increasing sales through the introduction of innovative cars such as the minivan and new models featuring popular sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
2. Don Lapre - A controversial figure in the United States, Lapre is known for his infomercials and work as a self-proclaimed "business strategist." He has been convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2011, he was sentenced to more than 25 years in prison.
3. Earl Nightingale - Nightingale is considered one of the pioneers of modern day marketing and motivational speaking.
He is best known for his work as a broadcaster, with his most famous program being "The Strangest Secret," which was first aired in 1956. The program has been credited with helping to launch the self-improvement movement.
4. Zig Ziglar - A motivational speaker and author who is perhaps best known for his catchphrase "You can have anything you want if you just help enough other people get what they want."
He has written over two dozen books on the topic of motivation and salesmanship, and helped to train many of today's top salespeople.
5. Billy Mays - A commercial spokesman and pitchman who was best known for his work on the Home Shopping Network.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the Billy Mays School of Marketing which continues to provide students with the skills they need for successful careers in advertising and marketing.
6. Joseph Sugarman - A bonafide genius in the minds of many advertisers who have often turned to him for advice about their businesses.
As a conceptual marketer, he is known for creating countless ads that are still remembered by just about everyone -- including the "A Diamond Is Forever" campaign that was implemented by DeBeers Consolidated Mines Ltd., "Vacuum Cleaner by Electrolux," and "Does She...Or Doesn't She?" for Clairol, Inc.
He has also been awarded numerous prestigious awards, including the American Advertising Federation's Hall of Fame Award.
7. P.T. Barnum - A name which is synonymous with marketing and showmanship. He was the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus, as well as a Broadway producer who is credited with creating some of the most famous musicals in history including "The Elephant Man" and "Hello, Dolly!
8. Gary Vaynerchuk - A current-day salesman extraordinaire whose work in wine sales has made him one of the most sought-after speakers on the subject.
He is also the co-founder of Vaynermedia, a social media marketing agency that currently employs over 250 people. And he is perhaps best known for his regular appearances on CNBC's "The Millionaire Broker."
9. Claude C. Hopkins - An American pioneer in the fields of advertising and marketing who was known for his work with famed brands such as Pepsodent toothpaste, Palmolive soap, Quaker Oats, Maybelline makeup, Schlitz beer, Lucky Strike cigarettes and many others.
He is often credited with coming up with the slogan "You press the button; we do the rest."
10. Harold S. Geneen - Regarded by many people as one of the most brilliant businessmen of all time, he was president-CEO of International Telephone & Telegraph Corp. (ITT), which at that time was one of the largest companies on Earth.
Under his leadership it grew from a little-known company to one of the most powerful conglomerates in business history.
And though he is best known for his work with ITT, he was also responsible for building up several other companies including Continental Baking Co., makers of Wonder Bread and Twinkies, as well as Raytheon Corp., which became one of the largest defense contractors in the world.
11. JR Ridinger - The founder of Amway Global Inc., who is currently serving as its president. He is perhaps best known for transforming the brand from a multilevel marketing company into an almost entirely online entity.
Under his leadership, Amway Global has grown to become one of the leading e-commerce companies in the world with annual sales currently in excess of US$8 billion.
Many people are employed in sales positions. They may be managers, owners of retail establishments or members of telemarketing departments.
Often these professionals receive little training in how to be more effective in their jobs.
To help you get your position off the ground, here are some tips for being successful in sales:
When you start working as a salesman, it is crucial to learn from those who have been successful in the past. Salesmanship is a direct job and having good mentors will help you improve your work.
The following are the top pieces of advice from famous salesman that can help you in achieving your goals for this year.
