The Accidental Salesperson: How to Take Control of Your Sales Career and Earn the Respect and Income You Deserve [Paperback]

Chris Lytle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000

"Author Chris Lytle had modest career aspirations. He merely wanted to be the next Walter Cronkite. But instead of being offered a job in the newsroom, he was offered a job in the sales department. He took the sales job and became an "accidental salesperson." Most people don't choose sales as a career. Sales chooses them--and they end up wondering how to make the most of a profession they were never prepared for. They don't have to wonder anymore. In The Accidental Salesperson, Lytle gives readers a road map that anyone can use to excel in sales. Lively and entertaining, this somewhat unorthodox guide is packed with thought-provoking axioms, humorous and instructive anecdotes, specific strategies, and powerful tools--everything readers need to master essential lessons in sales and professionalism. Readers will find there are some things The Accidental Salesperson lacks--dull theories, manipulative methods, and high-pressure tactics. But with the wealth of money-generating, career-building techniques it does provide, we don't think those items will be missed."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a brilliant, practical dissertation on the subject of selling, written by someone who has been and is there." -- The Real Estate Professional

It is not only a motivational shot in the arm, but a unique blueprint for selling brilliantly. -- John Fayad, Competitive Edge, Nov/Dec 2000

Written with wit as well as insight, this unorthodox guide is packed with proven strategies and tools. -- John Fayad, Competitive Edge, Nov/Dec 2000

Book Description

"Author Chris Lytle had modest career aspirations. He merely wanted to be the next Walter Cronkite. But instead of being offered a job in the newsroom, he was offered a job in the sales department. He took the sales job and became an ""accidental salesperson.""

Most people don't choose sales as a career. Sales chooses them--and they end up wondering how to make the most of a profession they were never prepared for.

They don't have to wonder anymore. In The Accidental Salesperson, Lytle gives readers a road map that anyone can use to excel in sales. Lively and entertaining, this somewhat unorthodox guide is packed with thought-provoking axioms, humorous and instructive anecdotes, specific strategies, and powerful tools--everything readers need to master essential lessons in sales and professionalism.

Readers will find there are some things The Accidental Salesperson lacks--dull theories, manipulative methods, and high-pressure tactics. But with the wealth of money-generating, career-building techniques it does provide, we don't think those items will be missed."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1st edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814470831
• ISBN-13: 978-0814470831
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Business & Investing > Marketing & Sales > Sales & Selling
  • #69 in Books > Business & Investing > Job Hunting & Careers > Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!!!, October 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Accidental Salesperson: How to Take Control of Your Sales Career and Earn the Respect and Income You Deserve (Paperback)

If you are considering going into sales or are new to the profession PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. Chris has drawn from his experiences in sales and life and put together a resource that will help any new sales person develope their new job into a career. I have read the book 4 times since I bought it in July. Most books written about sales are very dry and technical, but this book balances the subject quite nicely. The tips might seem simplistic, but THEY DO WORK!!!!! IF more people in sales used the skills in this book, I think sales would would be more respected as a profession. I learned to view my job a problem solver/analyst and I approach each sale that way. First I work to uncover the real need of the person that I am marketing to and then I work to tailor my products to fit that particular need. MY relationship with clients is better than anyone else that I work with because my clients trust me and feel comfortable picking up the phone to call me and discuss problems. My clients view me as a resource and I love my job. Thanks Chris!!!! Ben

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all salespeople!, November 1, 2000

By 

Jim Scrivner (Brooklyn, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Accidental Salesperson: How to Take Control of Your Sales Career and Earn the Respect and Income You Deserve (Paperback)

As a lifelong "accidental salesperson" as well as supervisor of salespeople I have read literally 100's of books on selling and been exposed to an equal number of selling systems. This may be the best - book and system.

The concepts and recommended actions are simple, honest, without gimmicks, contemporary and practical. The best part is that they work!

For example, I adapted "the letter" to my situation (new enterprise with zero name recognition & letters going to complete strangers). The first wave resulted in 100% appointments. One prospect, so anxious to learn more, called me before I could call him. Subsequent waves have also resulted in very high appointment rates - better than any other approach I have employed over the years.

Lytle advocates for a systematic approach that creates much-needed structure and discipline for people who by nature resist it with a passion. Following the system is easy. The time invested yields dividends.

I highly recommend this book for the novice or the grizzled veteran.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Really Works!!, January 21, 2004

By 

John Doe "John Doe" (Stony Point, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Accidental Salesperson: How to Take Control of Your Sales Career and Earn the Respect and Income You Deserve (Paperback)

I have found I have been getting much better responses from this book when working on specific prospects, and the "Endless Referrals" book when I am in a networking situation.

Forexample, I met a prospect at a social function, I listened while asking questions about him, it seemed to going great. I tried to follow-up afterwards, however, he was not taking my calls. I then used the lottery ticket method, and the next time I called he took my call. I now have an appointment with him.

Additionally, I have been getting great response from prospects that I send seeds to.