The Sales Stoic

“Plato said it beautifully: when you want to talk about people, it’s best to zoom out and take a bird’s-eye view, seeing everything at once. Look at it all: gatherings and protests, neighborhoods and farmlands, weddings and breakups, births and deaths, busy offices and quiet parks, different cultures, celebrations, memorials, and markets… everything intertwined, a mix of opposites.” - Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, reflecting on Plato, reminds us to zoom out and see life as a whole - a mix of wins and losses, joy and sorrow, beginnings and endings.

When you're caught up in frustration, rejection, or stress, ask yourself, ‘If I viewed this from a bird’s-eye perspective, would it still feel as overwhelming?’ Probably not.

Sales isn’t just about individual moments. It’s about relationships, resilience, and the bigger picture.

Step back, refocus, and keep moving forward.

Actionable tips:

• At the end of each week, reflect on the broader goals you’re working toward. How does this week’s activity fit into the bigger picture?
• When faced with rejection or setbacks, pause and remind yourself that this is just one moment in a larger journey. Ask: "How will this matter a year from now?"
• Remember that your clients and colleagues are also part of this intricate web of life. Understanding their broader context, whether personal or professional, can help you build stronger, more meaningful connections.

Remember you will die.

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Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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“No one can derail the intentions of your mind—your thoughts can't be burned, broken, silenced, smeared, or stopped by anything.” - Marcus Aurelius

The Stoics had a concept called the mental reverse clause, which was a way to prepare your mind for obstacles before they arise.

Challenges will come, but your response is yours alone.

A tough prospect, an unfair objection, or a lost deal? They don’t control your emotions, you do.

The moment you shift from they made me to I choose to, you take full ownership of your reactions.

Expect challenges. Control your mindset. Stay resilient.

Actionable tips:

• Before a pitch or client meeting, mentally prepare for potential objections or rejections and picture yourself responding calmly and constructively.
• Create your own "reverse clause" mantra so that when faced with unexpected challenges, you can repeat a phrase like, "This is out of my control, but my response is not." Use it to refocus on what you can influence.
• Focus on your process rather than fixating on the result. Remember, no rejection can harm your mindset unless you allow it to.

Remember you will die.

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Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“What’s your purpose? To be a good human.” - Marcus Aurelius

Whether you're in sales, management, or running a business, your core purpose remains the same: to be a good person. Integrity, kindness, and purpose should guide everything you do.

But in a world full of distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

In sales, the key to success isn’t just closing deals, it’s building trust.

People buy from those they like and trust, not just from someone pushing a product.

Listening, understanding, and showing genuine care about others’ needs is the real skill that drives success.

Focus on being ethical and helpful, and your clients will remember — and keep coming back.

Actionable tips:

• Focus on building a reputation for trustworthiness. Clients are more likely to become repeat customers if they see you as a reliable partner, not just a salesperson.
• Approach every client interaction like Captain America would: do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Whether it’s being honest about a product’s limitations or advising a customer against an unnecessary upsell, prioritise their best interests.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“I can’t call someone a hard worker just because I hear they read and write, even if they stay up all night doing it. Until I know what they’re working toward, I can’t call them industrious... But I can if their goal is to align with their own values, keeping them in harmony with Nature.” - Epictetus

In sales, it's not enough to just work hard. True productivity comes from aligning your actions with a greater purpose.

If your efforts are driven only by quotas, you're missing out on the deeper satisfaction that comes from helping clients and contributing to a bigger mission.

Just like Daniel in The Karate Kid, your daily tasks are preparing you for something bigger.

Work with purpose, not just for the sake of work.

Actionable tips:

• Before diving into your next task, ask yourself: How does this align with my bigger sales goals? How does it benefit the client? Understanding the why behind each action.
• Instead of just checking off tasks, prioritise actions that move the needle, whether that’s nurturing a high-potential lead or solving a client’s pain point.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“Work inspires great minds.” - Seneca

Work is more than a task, it’s a pathway to self-improvement.

In sales, stop thinking about just meeting quotas, focus instead on honing your skills, building resilience, and shaping your character.

When you approach your work as a craft, it becomes a source of personal growth and fulfillment.

Reflect on the impact you made today, not just in numbers, but in how your work has sharpened you.

Sales is a workshop for your mind and your future.

Actionable tips:

• Treat every interaction as an opportunity to refine your approach. It’s not just about closing the deal, it’s about sharpening your skills and learning something new.
• Dedicate parts of your day to deep work without distractions. This focused effort can be both productive and surprisingly calming.
• Reflect on how far you've come in your skills and mindset, rather than obsessing over hitting every target. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“First, don’t panic. Everything happens as it’s meant to... The next thing to do is focus on the task at hand, seeing it for what it really is, while remembering that your purpose is to be a good person. Get to work on what’s required, and speak with kindness, humility, and honesty, doing what feels right.” - Marcus Aurelius

In sales, as in life, stress won’t get you anywhere.

Whether you’re negotiating a deal or feeling pressure to hit quotas, stop, and take a breath.

Focus on what’s required: listening, empathizing, and staying calm. The loudest voices often don’t win trust—kindness, clarity, and sincerity do.

Your mission is to genuinely solve problems, not just hit targets. So, keep calm and carry on.

Actionable tips:

• When faced with a challenging client or unexpected objection, take a moment to breathe. Respond calmly rather than reacting impulsively.
• Focus on what you can control: listening to your customer’s needs, asking thoughtful questions, and proposing solutions that genuinely fit.
• Approach every interaction with honesty and kindness. If a solution isn't the best fit for the prospect, say so. Authenticity fosters trust and long-term relationships.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“Well-being is built through small steps, but it’s anything but small.” - Zeno

Big changes don’t happen overnight. They come from small, consistent actions

In sales, it's often the little things that make the biggest impact — a timely follow-up, a personalized message, or remembering a client’s birthday.

Mastering the fundamentals can elevate your overall performance.

Just like a chef perfecting a dish, paying attention to the details sets you apart. As Marco Pierre White said, “Perfection is lots of little things done well.”

Actionable tips:

• It’s often the second or third touchpoint that seals the deal. Don’t just rely on a single email; craft a thoughtful follow-up that addresses your prospect’s needs.
• Instead of only celebrating closed deals, recognise the little wins, like getting a callback, securing a meeting, or even a positive response to a cold email. These small victories will keep you motivated.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“I'm constantly struck by how effortlessly we prioritize our own self-love, yet we place more value on others' opinions than on our own sense of worth... We give so much weight to what others think of us, and so little to how we see ourselves!” - Marcus Aurelius

The Stoics believed true joy comes not from fleeting pleasures but from doing meaningful work.

It’s about being kind, letting go of temporary desires, and focusing on what truly matters.

In your career, fulfilment doesn’t come from hitting targets or earning big commissions, but from building authentic connections and helping others.

Like Keanu Reeves, who finds joy in humble, genuine interactions, the real reward lies in being authentic and grounded, not just in closing deals but in creating lasting relationships.

Actionable tips:

• Next time you face a challenging sales call, remind yourself, you don’t need the prospect’s approval to feel validated. Focus on being genuine, helpful, and confident in your approach.
• Rather than worrying about how you’re perceived by peers, focus on what you can control such as your own KPIs, targets, and growth. Let your results speak for themselves.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“True joy for people comes from doing meaningful work. Meaningful work is about: being kind to others, ignoring fleeting desires, trusting reliable impressions, and aligning with the natural flow of things.” - Marcus Aurelius

Stoicism teaches us that real joy is not found in fleeting pleasures but in doing what we were truly meant to do: being kind, focusing on what matters, and finding clarity in our actions.

In your career, fulfilment comes not from hitting quotas but from genuine connections.

It’s about solving problems, really  listening, and being present.

Like Keanu Reeves, who finds joy in authentic human interactions rather than fame's perks, we too can find deeper satisfaction in meaningful relationships, not just closing deals.

Actionable tips:

• In your next sales call, try to understand the person on the other end, not just their business needs. Genuine curiosity and empathy can set you apart.
• Don’t get distracted by surface-level excitement. Focus on what truly matters: solving the client’s pain points.
• Instead of chasing commissions, set a goal to leave each customer better off than when you found them.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“You say that luck used to find you at every turn. But the truly lucky person is the one who creates their own luck. And true luck comes from a balanced mind, positive impulses, and meaningful actions.” - Marcus Aurelius

Fortune isn’t about waiting for luck to find you; it’s about creating your own through mindset, actions, and integrity.

In sales, success isn’t based on chance, it’s about sharpening your skills, building relationships, and showing up consistently.

Focus on improving your pitch, follow-ups, and understanding your clients to create the conditions for success.

Don’t wait for luck, make it happen.

Actionable tips:

• Be proactive. Don’t wait for the perfect lead to land in your inbox. Reach out, follow up, and go the extra mile. You’ll find that good things happen when you take control of your pipeline.
• Spend time refining your skills, whether it’s role-playing cold calls, learning new techniques, or even studying psychology to better understand your clients.
• A consistent routine, like a morning ritual for planning your day, can help you focus on what you can control and build momentum that drives results.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/