The Best Salesman Ever

I recently came across an old issue of Selling Magazine (June 1994). The featured story was about Ben Feldman, arguably the greatest salesman that ever lived. The article was titled “The Best Salesman Ever”. Ben died in 1993, but left behind an incredible legacy. He sold over $1.6 billion dollars of life insurance in his career. He represented New York Life. His annual sales were greater than the sales of many life insurance companies. After he learned his products and the essentials of the sales profession he ramped up a fabulous career and made over $1 million per year. Not bad for a son of Russian immigrants from rural Ohio.

All Things are Essentially Equal

The beauty of the sales profession is that Ben Feldman or anyone else has the same opportunity to rise to the top. There is nothing standing in the way of success that can’t be learned, mastered and conquered. Everyone’s sales career starts out about the same, little revenue with unlimited potential. Where it ends up is totally the responsibility of each individual salesperson. Ben Feldman got in the game, learned how to play and was driven to win, posting results unheard of in his industry. He was referred to as the “Babe Ruth” of insurance sales.

Get Your Game On

Another year is coming to an end. How did you do? My challenge to you is to reflect on your performance and figure out what worked and what didn’t. Make a list. Improve what worked and eliminate what did not work. Do some things different. Ask around, seek out top performers. Get motivated, get moving and dedicate yourself to making 2011 your best ever year in sales and income. Ben Feldman did it and so can you.