Storytelling in Sales: The Little-Known Technique to Close More Deals

Discover the surprising secret to achieving your goals and redefining success on your own terms.

Orion Siebert
4 min readApr 27, 2024

This article is derived from a recent podcast interview I had with the guest, Marianne Hickman. If you want a more in depth understanding of the topics discussed in this article, I recommend listening to the podcast episode below!

Introduction

In this insightful article, we delve into the transformative power of the sales mindset, as shared by expert Marianne Hickman. Marianne’s extensive experience, spanning over $52 million in sales revenue, provides a unique perspective on redefining success and unlocking one’s true potential.

Through her personal stories and practical advice, we explore how cultivating the right mindset can revolutionize not just our professional lives, but our overall well-being and fulfillment. By challenging the traditional stigma surrounding sales, Marianne invites us to embrace a fresh approach to value exchange and human connection.

The Fallacy of Sales

Sales — the very word conjures up images of slick-talking hucksters, peddling wares with nary a care for the customer’s needs. Or does it? In the age of the empowered consumer, this outdated perception must be shattered.

As Marianne Hickman, a seasoned sales expert with over $52 million in revenue under her belt, eloquently states, “Sales is just a transaction — it’s about exchanging something to get what you want, whether that’s a habit, money, or behavior.” The true power of sales lies not in manipulation, but in the art of value exchange.

Herein lies the crux of the matter: mastering the sales mindset is not just about closing deals, but about unlocking your full potential as an individual.

Redefining Success

For Marianne, true success is not measured by the size of one’s bank account or the status symbols adorning their life. Rather, it is found in the simple pleasures of waking up happy, surrounded by those you love, and living a life you don’t need a vacation from.

This radical shift in perspective challenges the societal norms that have long dictated our definition of success. By reframing our understanding of what it means to thrive, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities beyond the narrow confines of material wealth and external validation.

After all, as Marianne reminds us, “Success looks different for everyone. The key is to define it on your own terms, not by society’s standards.”

The Power of Mindset

But how does one cultivate this transformative mindset? Marianne’s advice is simple yet profound: “The secret is developing the right mindset. Start by focusing on progress, not just the results.”

In a world obsessed with instant gratification and the pursuit of the next big milestone, this emphasis on the journey rather than the destination is a refreshing antidote. By shifting our focus to growth and personal development, we unlock the true power of the sales mindset — the ability to see obstacles as opportunities and to approach each challenge with a spirit of resilience and adaptability.

As Marianne eloquently states, “Sales is just the vehicle — the real journey is about becoming the best version of yourself.”

Embracing the Sales Mindset

But the sales mindset is not just for those in traditional sales roles. In fact, Marianne believes that everyone can benefit from cultivating this powerful way of thinking.

“Sales skills are crucial for everyone, not just entrepreneurs,” she explains. “We’re all pitching ourselves and our ideas, whether it’s to a potential employer, a romantic partner, or even our own children.”

By embracing the art of storytelling, rapport-building, and value exchange, we can unlock new levels of success and fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. The sales mindset is not about manipulation, but about mastering the art of human connection and mutual benefit.

So, my fellow travelers on the path of self-discovery, let us cast aside the outdated stigma surrounding sales and embrace the transformative power of the sales mindset. For in doing so, we unlock the keys to a life of true abundance, purpose, and joy.

Conclusion

As we’ve discovered, the sales mindset is not just for those in traditional sales roles, but a powerful framework that can benefit anyone seeking to achieve greater success and fulfillment in their lives. By reframing our understanding of what it means to thrive, and focusing on progress over results, we unlock the keys to a life of abundance, purpose, and joy.

So, let us cast aside the outdated perceptions of sales and embrace the transformative journey of becoming the best version of ourselves. For in doing so, we not only unlock our true potential, but inspire those around us to do the same. The path to mastering the sales mindset may not be an easy one, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

If you enjoyed this article and want to read more, check out this article on 7 life path exercises!

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