The Book of Excellence: Byrd Baggett's Masterpiece on Sales Success
The Book of Excellence by Byrd Baggett: A Review
If you are looking for a book that can help you improve your sales skills, boost your performance, and achieve your goals, you might want to check out The Book of Excellence by Byrd Baggett. This book is a classic in the sales literature, as it has sold more than 250,000 copies and has been published in nine languages since its first edition in 1990. In this article, we will review The Book of Excellence and see what it can offer to aspiring and experienced salespeople alike.
the book of excellence byrd baggett
What is The Book of Excellence?
The Book of Excellence is a concise and comprehensive guide that condenses everything that successful sales executive Byrd Baggett has learned in 18 years of selling. The book focuses on the basic habits that are common among business leaders in various fields, such as bankers, accountants, lawyers, doctors, stock brokers, military leaders, and collegiate coaches and administrators. The book pinpoints 236 habits that characterize a successful sales lifestyle.
The main idea of the book
The main idea of The Book of Excellence is that sales success is not a matter of luck, talent, or charisma, but a result of consistent and deliberate practice of positive habits. Baggett believes that habits are the foundation of excellence, and that anyone can develop them with discipline and determination. He writes:
"I believe passionately that these women and men have achieved their success by keeping it simple and by developing positive habits. Here is what I have learned about the habits that bring success in this profession I love so much."
The author's background and credentials
Byrd Baggett is an entrepreneur and a nationally acclaimed author and motivational speaker. He has written ten best-selling books, which have been published in eight languages. He is also the founder and CEO of True Growth Associates, a leadership development company that helps organizations achieve excellence through coaching, training, and consulting services. He has over 40 years of experience in sales and marketing, working with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and has been featured on CNN, CNBC, USA Today, and other media outlets.
Why should you read The Book of Excellence?
The Book of Excellence is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their sales skills, boost their performance, and achieve their goals. Here are some of the benefits of reading this book:
The benefits of learning the habits of effective salespeople
By learning the habits of effective salespeople, you can:
Gain a competitive edge in the market by differentiating yourself from the average salesperson.
Build trust and rapport with your prospects and customers by showing professionalism, integrity, and credibility.
Increase your sales results by mastering the art and science of selling, from prospecting to closing.
Enhance your personal and professional growth by developing a positive mindset, a strong work ethic, and a passion for excellence.
The practical and actionable advice in the book
The Book of Excellence is not a theoretical or abstract book, but a practical and actionable one. The book provides you with specific and concrete advice on how to implement the habits of effective salespeople in your daily routine. For example, the book teaches you how to:
Set SMART goals and track your progress.
Plan your day and prioritize your tasks.
Prepare for every sales call and presentation.
Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to your prospects and customers.
Handle objections and overcome resistance.
Follow up and follow through with your commitments.
Ask for referrals and testimonials.
The inspiring and motivational stories and quotes in the book
The Book of Excellence is not only informative, but also inspiring and motivational. The book is filled with stories and quotes from successful salespeople and business leaders who have applied the habits of excellence in their careers. For example, the book shares the stories of:
How Zig Ziglar overcame his fear of public speaking and became one of the most influential sales trainers in history.
How Mary Kay Ash started her cosmetics company with $5,000 and built a billion-dollar empire.
How Tom Hopkins turned his failure as a real estate agent into a success as a sales trainer and author.
The book also includes quotes from famous figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill, and many more. These quotes provide you with wisdom, inspiration, and motivation to pursue your sales goals.
How to apply The Book of Excellence to your sales career?
The Book of Excellence is not a book that you read once and forget. It is a book that you study, apply, and review regularly. Here are some tips on how to use this book to improve your sales career:
The 236 habits of effective salespeople explained
The core of The Book of Excellence is the 236 habits of effective salespeople that Baggett has identified and explained. These habits cover every aspect of the sales process, from attitude to closing. Each habit is presented in a concise and clear way, with examples and tips on how to practice it. You can use this book as a reference guide or a checklist to review your habits and see where you need to improve. You can also use this book as a source of inspiration or motivation when you face challenges or difficulties in your sales career.
The self-assessment questions and exercises in the book
The Book of Excellence also includes self-assessment questions and exercises that help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as a salesperson. These questions and exercises are designed to help you identify your areas of improvement, set your goals, plan your actions, and monitor your results. You can use these questions and exercises as a tool to measure your progress and performance. You can also use these questions and exercises as a way to challenge yourself and stretch your potential.
The tips and strategies for implementing the habits in your daily routine
The Book of Excellence also offers tips and strategies for implementing the habits of effective salespeople in your daily routine. These tips and strategies are based on Baggett's experience and expertise as a sales executive, trainer, coach, and speaker. They provide you with practical and actionable advice on how to make the habits part of your lifestyle. You can use these tips and strategies as a guide or a reminder to practice the habits consistently. You can also use these tips and strategies as a way to enhance your skills and knowledge.
What are some of the key takeaways from The Book of Excellence?
What are some of the key takeaways from The Book of Excellence?
The Book of Excellence is a rich and insightful book that can help you achieve excellence in sales. Here are some of the key takeaways from this book:
The importance of keeping it simple and developing positive habits
One of the main messages of The Book of Excellence is that sales success is not complicated or mysterious, but simple and straightforward. Baggett argues that sales success is a matter of developing positive habits that lead to excellence. He writes:
"The habits in this book are not new or revolutionary. They are common sense. They are simple. They work. They are the habits that separate the best from the rest."
By keeping it simple and developing positive habits, you can avoid distractions, confusion, and frustration. You can also focus on what matters most, deliver value to your prospects and customers, and achieve your sales goals.
The role of attitude, enthusiasm, and passion in sales success
Another key takeaway from The Book of Excellence is that attitude, enthusiasm, and passion are essential for sales success. Baggett believes that these qualities are the fuel that drives sales performance. He writes:
"Attitude is everything in sales. It determines how you see yourself, your prospects, your customers, your company, your product, and your competition. It determines how you act, how you speak, how you listen, and how you sell."
By having a positive attitude, a high enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for sales, you can overcome challenges, rejections, and objections. You can also inspire confidence, trust, and loyalty in your prospects and customers. You can also enjoy your sales career and have fun along the way.
The power of continuous learning, improvement, and excellence
A third key takeaway from The Book of Excellence is that continuous learning, improvement, and excellence are the keys to sales growth and success. Baggett emphasizes that sales is a dynamic and competitive profession that requires constant adaptation and innovation. He writes:
"The only way to stay ahead in sales is to keep learning. The only way to keep learning is to keep reading, listening, observing, asking questions, experimenting, and applying new ideas."
By embracing continuous learning, improvement, and excellence, you can stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in sales. You can also sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and increase your value. You can also set higher standards for yourself and strive to exceed them.
Conclusion
The Book of Excellence by Byrd Baggett is a must-read book for anyone who wants to excel in sales. The book provides you with 236 habits of effective salespeople that can help you improve your sales skills, boost your performance, and achieve your goals. The book also offers you practical and actionable advice on how to implement the habits in your daily routine. The book also inspires and motivates you with stories and quotes from successful salespeople and business leaders who have applied the habits of excellence in their careers.
If you are looking for a book that can help you achieve excellence in sales, you might want to check out The Book of Excellence by Byrd Baggett. You will not regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Book of Excellence:
Where can I buy The Book of Excellence?
You can buy The Book of Excellence on Amazon.com or other online bookstores. You can also find it in some local bookstores or libraries.
How long does it take to read The Book of Excellence?
The Book of Excellence is a short and easy-to-read book that has 128 pages. You can finish it in a few hours or days depending on your reading speed and schedule.
Is The Book of Excellence suitable for beginners or experienced salespeople?
The Book of Excellence is suitable for both beginners and experienced salespeople. The book covers the fundamentals of sales as well as the advanced techniques and strategies. The book also provides you with self-assessment questions and exercises that help you evaluate your level and progress.
What are some other books similar to The Book of Excellence?
Some other books similar to The Book of Excellence are:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer
The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes
How can I contact Byrd Baggett?
You can contact Byrd Baggett through his website, www.byrd.com, where you can find more information about his books, services, and events. You can also follow him on Twitter, @byrdbaggett, or connect with him on LinkedIn, Byrd Baggett. 71b2f0854b