Even Actors Are In Sales!

Last night my wife and I went the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Chanhassen, Minnesota to see a play called “Male Intellect: An Oxymoron.” This one-man comedy starred a friend named Stevie Ray. Stevie is a very successful businessman. Executive Director of “Stevie Ray’s Improv Company,” columnist for the “[tag]Minneapolis Business Journal[/tag],” author, nationally known [tag]speaker[/tag] and corporate trainer; this is a busy guy! Stevie is also in demand as an MC, having hosted the Miss Minnesota Pageant, and a long list of other civic and charitable events. In addition to being an outrageously funny, talented artist and businessman, Stevie is a wonderfully giving person.

Do NOT miss the fact that he is a businessman. As a [tag]sales trainer[/tag] and [tag]speaker[/tag], he did something at the close of last night’s show that reminded me why he has been so successful in so many businesses…he asked for referrals!

After he took his bow, they brought the lights back up and Stevie stepped back on the stage. He thanked his audience for coming (another great sales principle; say “thank you” to your customers!) This play is a bit of a departure for “The Chan” and Stevie joked that he loved the great crowds the play has drawn, as it is depressing to do a live show to two or three people! Then he asked us, if we liked the show, to tell a few of our friends about it. “Send them an email” he suggested lightheartedly, all the while doing so with his ever-present wit and energy.

Great salespeople don’t just make sales; they grow their businesses by developing and broadening their “circle of friends” and creatively asking for the [tag]customer referral[/tag]. So, you get your wish, Stevie. I am sending this to some of my closest friends in sales. Whether or not you have the good fortune to see this really fun production, Stevie gives you a gift – a reminder to ask for the referral! (By the way, if you like this Blog, pass the link along to your friends in [tag]sales[/tag] and [tag]sales management[/tag]. I love referrals, too!)

Good selling!