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How Movies Help a Pasifika Sales Professional Navigate the Sales World

As a Pasifika sales professional, I have experienced the ups and downs of the sales world first-hand. Sales movies, such as Glengarry Glen Ross and The Wolf of Wall Street, provide a unique look into this high-pressure environment and the challenges that salespeople face daily.

by Joey Nanai  I     12 December 2022

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One sales technique that is often highlighted in sales movies is the importance of having a clear and compelling value proposition. In Boiler Room, for example, the main character is taught to focus on the benefits of the products he is selling, rather than just the features. This helps him to connect with potential buyers and persuade them to make a purchase.


As a Pasifika sales professional, I have found that having a clear and compelling value proposition is key to closing deals. I remember one time when I was selling Kirby vacuum machines to a potential client. I focused on the benefits of the product, such as its powerful suction and versatility in cleaning a variety of surfaces.

But my potential client wasn't convinced. "Why should I buy this from you?" they asked. "There are plenty of other vacuum options out there."

I knew I had to come up with a better value proposition, fast. So, I quickly thought of a unique benefit of my product that no one else was offering. "Well," I said with a smile, "if you buy this Kirby vacuum from me, I'll personally come to your house and give you a demonstration on how to use all of its features to get the best clean possible."

To my surprise, it worked! My potential client laughed and said, "You know what, I think I'll take that deal. I've always wanted to learn more about my vacuum and how to use it properly." And just like that, I closed the deal.

I learned a valuable lesson that day: a clear and compelling value proposition can make all the difference in a sales pitch. And sometimes, a personal touch can go a long way too.

Another important sales technique that is often featured in sales movies is the need to listen to the customer and understand their needs and concerns. In The Wolf of Wall Street, for example, Belfort and his team use a "strings attached" approach to sales, where they offer potential buyers a deal that is too good to pass up. However, they also carefully listen to the buyer and tailor their pitch to address their specific needs and concerns.

However, sales movies also depict unethical and illegal sales tactics, such as using fear and intimidation, making false promises and claims, and stealing leads from competitors. These techniques are generally not considered effective and can harm the salesperson's reputation and long-term success.

In my own experience, I have found that using persuasion and negotiation, combined with a strong value proposition and a focus on the customer's needs, is a more effective and ethical way to close deals. Building strong relationships with customers and delivering on my promises have helped me to maintain a positive reputation and achieve long-term success in the sales world.

Sales movies can provide a Pasifika sales professional with insights into the challenges and techniques used in the sales world. These movies can showcase a wide range of sales techniques, both effective and ineffective, and can provide examples of how to navigate high-pressure situations and close deals. By watching sales movies, a Pasifika sales professional can learn about the importance of having a clear and compelling value proposition, listening to the customer, understanding their needs, and using persuasion and negotiation to close deals. However, sales movies can also depict unethical and illegal sales tactics, such as using fear and intimidation or making false promises, which can be helpful for a Pasifika sales professional to avoid.

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