The Profound Impact of Unconventional Mentors in Our Sales Journey – Jeff Kirchick & Carson Heady
In the world of sales, success is often attributed to strategy, skill, and knowledge. While these are undeniably crucial aspects, there’s another significant factor that can make a world of difference – having a mentor. A mentor is someone who guides, supports, and inspires us to grow both personally and professionally. In this blog post, we’ll explore the stories of two sales professionals, Carson Heady and Jeff Kirchick, who share their experiences with mentors who made a profound impact on their journey.
Jeff recounts the story of an unconventional mentor – his high school wrestling coach, Steve Ward. Initially, one might wonder what a wrestling coach has to do with sales. However, Jeff explains that Steve’s influence went far beyond the wrestling mat.
Steve was known for his ability to make people feel relaxed and less serious about themselves. He brought a sense of levity and authenticity to challenging situations. In a high-pressure environment where students aimed for top achievements, Steve’s approach to wrestling and life was to not take oneself too seriously.
One lesson that Jeff took away from his coach was about embracing authenticity. Steve’s straightforward and honest communication style made a lasting impact on Jeff. When Jeff wrote his book, “Authentic Selling,” it was no surprise that Steve praised it, recognizing their shared dedication to authenticity.
Carson shares his story about a remarkable mentor who deeply influenced his career. This mentor was a manager he worked with for several years. What set her apart was her genuine care and prioritization of people – both customers and team members.
She had a unique approach of putting the personal first in business interactions. Instead of jumping straight into business discussions, she would take the time to understand and connect with people on a personal level. This created a strong bond of trust and respect between her and her team members.
One significant moment Carson recalls was when he considered leaving the organization. Despite receiving an offer from another company, his mentor fought to keep him. She prepared an elaborate slide show presentation explaining why he should stay, which demonstrated the depth of her commitment to her team.
The Impact of Unconventional Mentors:
The stories of Jeff and Carson highlight the extraordinary influence that unconventional mentors can have on a person’s life and career. It goes beyond traditional sales teachings and delves into valuable life lessons. Jeff’s wrestling coach taught him to embrace authenticity and not take life too seriously, while Carson’s manager emphasized the importance of putting people first and encouraging personal growth.
These unconventional mentors remind us that mentoring relationships can be found in unexpected places. Their guidance and support can shape not only our professional success but also our personal growth and happiness.
Conclusion:
In the world of sales, mentors play a vital role in shaping the careers of professionals. Jeff and Carson’s stories show us that mentors need not fit the conventional mold. Unconventional mentors can have a profound impact by imparting valuable life lessons, encouraging authenticity, and prioritizing the personal aspect of business relationships.
As sales professionals, we should remain open to learning from unexpected sources and be receptive to the wisdom that lies beyond the boundaries of our profession. By doing so, we can continue to grow both as salespeople and as individuals on a fulfilling journey towards success.
