Back in 2001, my family had a reunion after a 10-year gap and I was meeting a lot of family members I barely knew. One such member was my cousin Gaetana. We all had an amazing time and laughed for what seemed like all weekend. Shortly after, Gaetana called me and asked how I kept such high spirits, I replied with “Well, I watch The Simpson’s like four times a day.” Back then, I was in college so I obviously had a lot of free time. Also, I just came off of a psychology 101 course which we reviewed a case study on a man who had cancer and used laughter to help him beat the disease. So, I figured it was a pretty good idea.
It wasn’t the particular show – The Simpson’s – that put me in such great spirits but more so the concept that laughter is a positive influence in one’s life and comedy is a major source of laughter. This isn’t a profound statement or anything as many sales books speak to keeping a positive state of mind. Jeffery Gitomer quotes in his book – The Sales Bible: “Make them laugh, make them buy.” He also mentions how all things being equal, people buy from those they like and all things being not-so-equal, they still buy from those they like. So, what’s the best way to get people to like you – make them laugh!
While having 2+ hours a day available while in college, that’s definitely not realistic in the working world. More to the point, especially in Sales, it’s far too easy to let the pressure and stress of the day-to-day suck the positive energy right out of you and that can of course lead you down a very unsuccessful spiral. So, what’s one way to keep the positive energy up and maintain high spirits?
I’m a firm believer in the “30-minute comedy break.” Essentially, carving out at least 30 minutes a day to watch, listen, read, etc., something that makes you laugh. Whether that’s jumping into in a conference room and spinning up a few YouTube clips or sneaking in your favorite comedy sit-com on your commute into the office, doesn’t really matter. The point is to dedicate time each and every day to make sure you’re laughing and keeping your positive state of mind. Why is that important in Sales?
Who would you rather buy from – the person who makes you laugh, feel comfortable, and has a positive outlook on life or someone who is short, stressed, and maybe even pressuring you as their negative framework feels more like a late night news reporter? The answer is pretty straightforward but again, it’s all too often overlooked as the daily grind starts to take its toll. This also helps holistically as you interact with co-workers, family members, and even strangers on the street.
It wasn’t the particular show – The Simpson’s – that put me in such great spirits but more so the concept that laughter is a positive influence in one’s life and comedy is a major source of laughter. This isn’t a profound statement or anything as many sales books speak to keeping a positive state of mind. Jeffery Gitomer quotes in his book – The Sales Bible: “Make them laugh, make them buy.” He also mentions how all things being equal, people buy from those they like and all things being not-so-equal, they still buy from those they like. So, what’s the best way to get people to like you – make them laugh!
While having 2+ hours a day available while in college, that’s definitely not realistic in the working world. More to the point, especially in Sales, it’s far too easy to let the pressure and stress of the day-to-day suck the positive energy right out of you and that can of course lead you down a very unsuccessful spiral. So, what’s one way to keep the positive energy up and maintain high spirits?
I’m a firm believer in the “30-minute comedy break.” Essentially, carving out at least 30 minutes a day to watch, listen, read, etc., something that makes you laugh. Whether that’s jumping into in a conference room and spinning up a few YouTube clips or sneaking in your favorite comedy sit-com on your commute into the office, doesn’t really matter. The point is to dedicate time each and every day to make sure you’re laughing and keeping your positive state of mind. Why is that important in Sales?
Who would you rather buy from – the person who makes you laugh, feel comfortable, and has a positive outlook on life or someone who is short, stressed, and maybe even pressuring you as their negative framework feels more like a late night news reporter? The answer is pretty straightforward but again, it’s all too often overlooked as the daily grind starts to take its toll. This also helps holistically as you interact with co-workers, family members, and even strangers on the street.
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