Episode 258 "Super Bowl Strategies for Sales Success – Why Playing Offense is Key"

In today's episode, you'll learn three strategies, mindsets, and tools for achieving success in business and life.

 

I'm combining sports and sales. With the Super Bowl this weekend, I want to discuss one of the most essential parts of any game—offense. Specifically, I'll explain why offense is such a successful strategy in football and how sales professionals like you can adopt the same mindset to gain a massive edge in your field.  

Because in sales, just like in sports, the best offense is playing to win.  

 

There are three offensive tactics from the football field and how you can use them in your sales playbook today. For instance, having a clear game plan, playing aggressively, and making adjustments are all key components of an offensive sales strategy.

 

1. Have a Game Plan (AKA Your Sales Strategy)  

No offense succeeds without a clear plan. Before that quarterback steps onto the field, they've spent hours perfecting the game plan. They know what plays they're running, which players they're targeting, and how they will adjust if the defense shifts.  

 

For sales pros, your game plan is your strategy. Who are you targeting? Do you know your prospects' pain points and how your product solves them? What's your approach for turning a "maybe" into a "yes"? Without a plan, you're reacting.  

 

Offensive Tip: Block out time at the start of each week to create your sales game plan. Identify your top leads, plan your follow-up strategy, and prepare for potential objections. You only win when you're prepared.  

 

2. Play Aggressively (AKA Make the First Move)  

The best offenses don't wait—they attack. They make bold plays and put points on the board early. Think about Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady commanding their teams with confidence and intention. They don't sit back; they take the game to their opponents.  

Sales are no different. Don't wait for the prospect to call you. Be the one to initiate the conversation. Don't hesitate to send that second email or call to follow up. Aggression in sales doesn't mean being pushy; it means being persistent, confident, and timely.  

 

Offensive Tip: Follow the "3x3x3 rule." When targeting a lead, follow up three times in three different ways (phone, email, LinkedIn) within the first three days. The faster and more present you are, the more likely you'll stay top of mind and close the deal.  

 

3. Make Adjustments (AKA Read the Field)  

Here's the thing about football—no game plan survives contact with the opponent. That's why great offenses are adaptable. A quarterback reads the defense, makes adjustments at the line, and calls an audible to move the ball forward.  

 

Great salespeople do the same thing. Your pitch may have landed flat, you hit an objection you weren't expecting, or the decision-maker has shifted. It's your job to adjust on the fly. Listen to your prospects, understand their changing needs, and adjust your strategy to keep the deal alive.  

 

Offensive Tip: After every sales call or meeting, ask yourself, "What went well? What didn't? What could I do differently?" Use these reflections to course-correct for the next interaction.  

 

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/

http://threewordmeetings.com

http://threewordpodcast