Looking for inspiration on the silver screen? Here are some of the best sales quotes in Hollywood—and they’re not all from sales movies.
Ever wonder what makes movies so appealing? It’s their ability to succinctly communicate a profound message in a way that’s both clever and accessible – something very appreciated in the sales industry. The best sales quotes from movies are the ones that inspire us, make us see our own businesses in a different light, and motivate us to make changes in our approaches.
That said, you don’t need to watch a sales movie to benefit from such movie quotes. In fact, some of the best sales quotes, or quotes that apply to sales anyway, come from movies that aren’t about sales. From urban dramas to science fiction fantasies, movies of all kinds generate inspirational, motivational quotes that apply to the sales industry.
This means that, like some of the best sales quotes, some of the best life lessons, especially those affecting professional careers, can be pulled from diverse and unexpected sources. The significance? If the best sales quotes come from so many different places, other forms of inspiration probably do, too.
Here are some of the best sales quotes and the movies they come from. Use these to give your team an emotional boost and watch the results speak for themselves.
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The best sales quotes can come from some unexpected places
Relationship quotes
“The key to business is personal relationships.” – Dickie Fox, Jerry Maguire
This one speaks for itself. If you want to be successful in sales, you have to be successful in helping people solve their problems. That’s about relationships, not about money.
“Smile. It enhances your face value.” – Truvy Jones, Steel Magnolias
You’re more likely to catch flies with honey, as they say. Smile, even if you’re on the phone. It changes your tone and inflection, which makes a big difference when building trust with a prospect.
“Never burn bridges. Today’s junior prick is tomorrow’s senior partner.” – Katharine Parker, Working Girl
Whether you lose a sale, lose a customer, or something else, don’t write that person off as an enemy. You never know when your paths will cross again. Years can pass, and you can still find yourself in a situation where you’ll regret having burned that bridge. Stay in everyone’s good graces. No matter how well you like a person, they are always potential customers.
Character quotes
“The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.” – Frank Lucas, American Gangster
Commanding a room isn’t the same as commanding someone’s attention. Be confident, but don’t make the mistake of talking more than you listen.
“I’m gonna break through, or somebody gonna breakthrough to me.” – Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones, Precious
This character quote demonstrates both determination and humility. It allows for the possibility that the speaker will be the one to change. Without sacrificing your resolution, always be willing to change.
“It’s no trick to make a lot of money…if all you want is to make a lot of money.” – Mr. Bernstein, Citizen Kane
Making money is (relatively) easy. Building rapport and bettering the world—those take a little more elbow grease.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady
Never be disingenuous. Always find the good in people, find something you like about them, and build on that. If you try to fake your way through, people will find out, and that could ruin a sales career.
Perseverance quotes
“You get what you settle for.” – Louise Sawyer, Thelma and Louise
If you don’t persevere, you’ll end up with less than what you want. Push for your goals, never stop that push, and you’ll find that you’ll only settle for the best.
“Two little mice fell into a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned, but the second mouse, he struggled so hard that he eventually churned that cream into butter and he walked out.” – Frank Abagnale Jr., Catch Me If You Can
Even when the situation looks dire, keep going. You never know how your circumstances might change.
“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it…You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness
Again, don’t give up. A dream is more than a fantasy; it can become reality through hard work and determination, no matter how many people doubt you along the way.
Perspective quotes
“Don’t feel overwhelmed, just do one thing at a time.” – Rose Lindsey, Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead
When those follow-up calls are piling up, and your pitch gets turned upside down, stop and breathe. Step back. Take one thing at a time. You’ll be back on track much faster than if you panic.
“There’s no such thing as a no-sale call. A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock, or he sells you a reason he can’t. Either way, a sale is made. The question is, who is gonna close? You or him?” – Jim Young, Boiler Room
On a call, you’re both trying to achieve something. The prospect may be trying to get you off the phone, or he or she may decide that your offering isn’t for them. Remember your goal—building relationships—and don’t let them close on theirs.
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