Sometimes, it’s not a price objection that costs a sales representative a deal. It might be something as simple as a poorly-tailored shirt. That’s the kind of attention to detail that Gene Slade brings to his sales. Slade, the CEO and Founder of Lead Ninja System and Lead Ninja AI, believes that self-care and personal well-being are critical not only for a sales rep’s sales record, but their long-term productivity and happiness.
Slade cites his own experience to illustrate the point. Earlier in his career, Slade says he was 35 pounds overweight and too stressed to get good sleep, which weighed on his sales results. Slade realized that looking as good as he could resulted in feeling as good as possible, which created a confidence that soon reflected in his sales results.
Slade recommends that sales representatives look at the small details in their self-care. Bad breath, for example, is an instant confidence-killer. Slade even says that basic collared white shirts—often a sales rep’s uniform—can be tailored and fitted. He did that himself, having each shirt tailored to his torso at just $9 per shirt. Even just as small of a change as a simple hem, Slade says, made him look and feel like a professional. And that kind of self-care had positive impacts on his long-term health.
How a Game-changing Sales Professional Discovered the Importance of Self-Care
Looking at Slade now, it’s difficult to imagine struggling with issues of self-care. He’s honed his coaching approach to include the holistic approach to how employees treat their jobs. Slade’s consulting often focuses on everything from employee mindsets to tips on merging personal growth with professional ambition.
But Slade was not always in this position. He states that his early career was low on balance. He went all-in on the “long hours” approach, making sacrifices that strained his personal life and ultimately cost him his health and family. That’s why his current sales tips and techniques emphasize getting the work-life balance right. To Slade, it’s possible to mix that professional ambition with a steady home life to achieve the best possible success—in and out of the office.
In fact, it’s the combination of sales success and personal empowerment that has become Slade’s calling card. At corporate events, Slade might deliver a motivational seminar or tailored sales training. But this training also emphasizes personal details: getting a good night’s rest, taking care of one’s appearance, and keeping up healthy habits.
Slade believes in continuous personal development from all angles. It’s a work-life balance that successfully juggles both mental health and ongoing professional support.
What Slade Recommends For Sales Reps with the “Grinder” Mindset
There is nothing wrong with the “grindset,” or the idea that young sales representatives have to put in long hours of work to earn their stripes. But Slade believes it’s possible to balance this mindset with self-care. This approach, he says, is far more sustainable. And Slade emphasizes that good self-care also translates into professional success.
A well-rested, positive, and healthy salesperson is much easier to connect with than someone functioning on two hours of sleep. A well-rested salesperson is also more confident and engaging. They’re more present at work. And though Slade often achieved success in industries with sales quotes—industries like HVAC, plumbing, and pest control—it’s the combination of healthy habits at home and at the workplace that ultimately make for a successful salesperson.
That work-life balance tends to come through in the small details, Slade says. A well-tailored shirt, minty breath—”Please be cognizant of these things,” says Slade. “They make a difference.”
Slade credits his sales upbringing for teaching him the small details. Slade wasn’t born into financial success. When it was time to enter sales, he couldn’t lean on family to support him financially in his lowest moments. Yet he would pick out small details—details like having a work uniform tailored—that helped him along the way.
These days, Slade has turned these lessons into the “Lead Ninja” methods that are now changing other people’s lives. For example, Slade has mentored a technician named Eric Prough—a man living in his car before working with Slade. According to Slade, Prough has now paid off his home and has savings of over 6 figures in the bank. He’s taking the entire month of September off with his family. Hard work pays off—including the hard work of making self-care a priority.
About Gene Slade
Gene Slade, CEO of Lead Ninja System and Lead Ninja AI, is a pioneering force in the realm of sales training, conversational AI, and business development in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries. With a steadfast commitment to empowering professionals in the trades, Gene offers transformative coaching experiences that revolutionize the way business owners approach sales and growth through personalized guidance, community support, and access to exclusive resources. For more information, call or text Gene himself at (239) 848-6533 or visit https://leadninjasystem.com/ and http://leadninjaai.com.
Published by: Martin De Juan