The Sales Stoic

Actionable tips:

• Simplify your pitch and cut out any jargon or filler language. A clear message often resonates more with clients.
• While teamwork is valuable, make a habit of tackling challenges independently before asking for help. It builds resilience and confidence.

“Don't act out of resentment, selfishness, or without thoughtfulness, just to be different. Don't overcomplicate your ideas with fancy words... Stay positive and independent, don't rely on others for support or comfort.” - Marcus Aurelius

In sales, less is often more.

It's easy to overcomplicate a pitch or fill silence with excessive words. Instead, focus on asking simple, direct questions that guide the conversation.

Your message should be clear and concise; think Steve Jobs, whose minimalist approach made Apple’s products memorable.

Avoid relying on others for every step; trust your own expertise.

When you simplify, your solution speaks for itself, leaving a stronger, lasting impression. 

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:

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

Actionable tips:

• After a big win, acknowledge it, but focus on the next steps and continue your routine. Don’t let one victory set your expectations.
• Regularly assess whether you’re making decisions for sustainable growth or just for a quick reward. Push yourself to make the right choice, even if it's not the most appealing one.
• Reflect on your wins, but resist becoming overly attached to them. Appreciate the positive outcome, but don’t let it define your worth or dictate your future actions. This helps prevent complacency and keeps your focus on the long-term path ahead.

“Atreus: Who would turn down a flood of good fortune?

Thystes: Anyone who's seen how quickly it all slips away.” - Seneca

Whether it’s a big commission or a series of wins, success can vanish as quickly as it arrives.

It's easy to get caught up in the highs, but focusing too much on transient gains can lead to complacency or an inflated ego.

Much like the Chinese farmer’s tale, what seems like a blessing today could turn into misfortune tomorrow—and vice versa.

Fortune is fleeting, be it good or bad.

Staying grounded helps us build a resilient foundation and maintain disciplined habits for long-term success.

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/

Actionable tips:

• In your next client meeting, focus on listening more than speaking. Take note of their needs and concerns without jumping to conclusions.
• Instead of assuming you know what will work, ask questions to uncover deeper insights. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your pitch effectively.

“Let go of your preconceived notions, because it’s impossible to learn anything if you think you already know it all.” - Epictetus

In sales, clinging to what we think we know can limit our growth. And pride can keep us closed off from recognising opportunities to learn.

Like The Avengers, who each bring unique strengths and are open to learning from one another, we too must stay humble.

Embrace feedback from peers and clients, and be open to new ideas.

Every prospect conversation is a learning opportunity; don’t let pride stand in the way of growth.

Stay humble, adapt, and improve.

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/

Actionable tips:

• When something goes wrong, take a moment to step back and ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift in judgement can transform setbacks into growth opportunities.
• Instead of reacting immediately to a challenging situation, pause and consider your response. This moment of reflection can help you respond in a way that aligns with your goals and values.

“It’s not what happens that stresses people, but how they interpret those things.” - Epictetus

When faced with challenges – be it tough clients, lost deals, or fierce competition – take a moment to pause and reconsider your response. It’s important to remember that we have the power to choose our reactions. 

Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as learning opportunities.

Like the hero in a film, each challenge we must overcome is a step towards growth.

Remember, the events we face don’t upset us; it’s how we interpret them that does.

Embrace this mindset, focus on what you can control, and navigate each situation with resilience. 

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/

Actionable tips:

• At the end of each day, review any negative impressions you faced. Were they valid? Or were they just passing thoughts? Recognising the difference will help you let go of what doesn’t serve you.
• Before entering a meeting or call, remind yourself of what you can control: your preparation, your responses, and your attitude. If something is outside of your control, practice saying, “It’s nothing to me,” to keep your mindset clear and focused.
• When you feel a negative impression forming, whether it’s self-doubt, frustration, or anxiety, write it down. Then, next to it, write a more objective interpretation of the situation. This simple exercise helps you separate fleeting emotions from reality and reinforces the habit of questioning your thoughts before accepting them as truth.

“From the start, make it a habit to respond to every harsh thought with, 'You are just a thought, not necessarily reality.' Then, test it against your principles, starting with the most important one: Does this fall within my control or not? If it doesn’t, be ready to say, 'This doesn’t concern me.” - Epictetus

A tough meeting, a lost deal, or a harsh critique might feel like a reflection of your ability, but is it really? Or is it just a fleeting impression, shaped by emotion and pressure?

Not every thought we have is a truth.

When faced with doubt or negativity, pause. Ask: Is this within my control? If not, let it go.

Focus on what you can influence.

Remember, clarity and resilience come from seeing past the masks we wear.

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/

Actionable tips:

• Question your thoughts: when doubts or fears arise, ask, “Is this thought helping me, or is it holding me back?”
• Practise daily mental checks to separate helpful beliefs from “counterfeit” ones. This will help keep your focus and motivation intact.

“When it comes to money… We’re careful to judge anything that might lead us astray. But when it comes to our own thinking, we tune out, accepting whatever idea comes along without stopping to consider the cost.” - Epictetus

In sales (and life), mental clarity is everything. But too often, we accept ideas unchallenged, letting doubts or assumptions derail us.

Before accepting a thought, ask: Is this helping me, or is it just noise? Don’t let “counterfeit” beliefs shake your confidence.

We're careful with money—scrutinizing its value, avoiding scams—but do we apply the same process and principles to our thoughts?

Take time to think before either accepting or dismissing an idea.

Stay sharp, stay discerning.

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/

Actionable tips:

• Regularly review your sales strategies and ask if there’s a better way. Staying curious helps you innovate and improve.
• Instead of seeing shifting circumstances as barriers, view them as a chance to adapt and grow. Adjust your approach with each client to see what resonates.
• When faced with rejection, don’t default to frustration, ask yourself, ‘What can I learn from this?’ Treat every ‘no’ as valuable feedback that helps refine your pitch and approach.

“There are two things that hold people back: overconfidence and doubt. Overconfidence makes you think there's nothing more to learn, while doubt convinces you that happiness is impossible in the chaos of life.” - Epictetus

A rigid mindset, whether arrogance or cynicism, holds you back. The best reps adapt, stay curious, and embrace change.

Overconfidence makes you think you have nothing left to learn while doubt convinces you success isn’t possible.

Both limit your growth.

Just like top companies pivot to stay ahead, sales pros who adjust their approach also uncover new opportunities.

Stay open. Stay flexible. That’s how you win.

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/

Actionable tips:

• Start each day with the awareness that tough interactions might happen, and plan to handle them with composure.
• Instead of taking negativity personally, remind yourself that it’s likely coming from the other person’s own issues, not from anything you’ve done.

“When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself: Today, I’ll deal with busybodies, the ungrateful, the arrogant, the dishonest, the envious, and the difficult. They act this way because they can’t tell right from wrong. But I understand the value of good and the harm of evil, so I know these people are still connected to me. They can’t truly hurt me or drag me down—and I won’t waste energy on anger or resentment. We’re here to work together.” - Marcus Aurelius

In sales (and life), challenges are inevitable. The key is anticipating them. Expect obstacles, and they won’t catch you off guard.

Each morning, take a moment to prepare for the day ahead.

You will encounter difficult people, those who are dismissive, rude, or ungrateful. But their behavior is a reflection of them, not you.

Stay grounded in your purpose and remember: you control how you respond. Stay calm, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

This mindset not only shields you from negativity but also allows you to lead with empathy, turning difficult interactions into opportunities for growth and connection..

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/

Actionable tips:

• Pause and assess. Before reacting to a client’s comment or request, take a moment to consider their motivations. Is there more to it than what appears on the surface?
• When an objection comes up, ask questions to understand the underlying concern. This can lead to a deeper connection and uncover new angles for your pitch.

“First, don’t let the power of a first impression sweep you away. Pause and say, ‘Hold on—who are you, where did you come from? Let me put you to the test' ...” - Epictetus

First impressions can be deceiving. That “perfect” lead might not be so perfect. That tough objection might not be a deal-breaker.

Before you react, pause. Ask yourself: What’s really happening here?

Slowing down can help you spot the real problem - before you rush to solve the wrong one. A little patience can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Don’t just react. Investigate.

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/

Actionable tips:

• Practice self-reflection and regularly check in with yourself to ensure you're staying true to your values, regardless of success or setbacks.
• Focus on your clients’ needs, showing empathy and respect, rather than pushing for recognition or personal accolades.

“Don’t let yourself be put on a pedestal and avoid the corruption that comes with power. It can happen to anyone, so stay humble, good, honest, grounded, fair, respectful, kind, and committed to your true purpose. Fight to be the person that wisdom shapes you to be. Respect what’s greater than you, and take care of those around you” - Marcus Aurelius

In sales, it’s all too easy to let recognition and rewards inflate your ego. But real success isn’t about believing your own hype, it’s about discipline, process, and service.

Marcus Aurelius reminds us: power and success can corrupt, unless we stay humble, kind, and committed to the greater good.

Think of Keanu Reeves: despite his fame, he stays humble and generous. Like him, keep your feet on the ground.

Focus on helping others, not just seeking recognition.

Integrity and empathy build trust. And trust is what truly lasts.

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/