Sales, or the activity of selling, forms an integral part of commercial activity. It could be argued that it is the cornerstone of business as it is the meeting of buyers and sellers and all other areas of business has the goal of making that meeting successful. Mastering sales is considered by many as some sort of persuading "art".
A lack of a genuine social life and a distinct interest in living vicariously at times through the silver screen makes me somewhat of a movie buff. And since entering this industry, I've taken an even greater interest in films portraying the world of sales. I've seen more than a handful of 'sales' movies that I would consider my personal favorites. I would like anyone who may know of ones I didn't mention here to clue me in on what I'm missing out on. Now, some of these pertain to the real estate industry in some fashion, some not so much, but here they go in no particular order:
-Wallstreet- Fantastic Film and one of my all-time favorite movies....period. Watch this on a Sunday Night and you will be going into work Monday morning full of zest & vigor. Just watch the ethics Bud Fox.
-The Firm- Not sure if this is a 'sales' movie per se, but I lump it in because of the smooth talking, ultra hard working character portrayed by Tom Cruise. From rags to riches to what the heck am I into.
-The Prime Gig- Before 'Wedding Crashers' and Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn portrays a character in the role of telemarketing. After watching this, it makes 'cold calling' seem less tedious and mundane and perhaps a little competitive & pseudo interesting if you find the light.
-Glengarry Glen Ross- Alec Baldwin's speech in this classic is second in sales speeches in the movies only to Michael Douglas's 'Greed is Good' speech in Wallstreet. That is my own humble opinion at least.
-Boilerroom- Ahhhh, this a personal favorite and recommendation. Again, a common theme with these is one of ethical issues, however a great movie of some of the character traits of great salespeople.
My inherent issue with these movies, outside of entertainment purposes, is they are only shells of what I think good sales people really do and accomplish. Granted, they are movies but selling, arguable like life, is a journey for both your client and yourself. The really good ones that I've met, trained under, read about, seem to travel that path with both head & heart intertwined. While goals & money are a focal point, the really good ones have more than that in mind it seems. Their character seems more complex than quotas and making money hand over fist. They think, they feel.....I mean really think, really feel. Asking questions of perhaps a more psychological nature. How do I reach this person? What are they really looking for and how will I service what they are looking for to lead to a satisfying solution? How do I do my job in an industry with honesty and integrity, especially when I'm competing against the very opposite at times? Why, in my head & heart, would someone pick me over anyone else out there? How do I make every interaction, whether with clients, peers, employers, etc, more fulfilling/rewarding/pleasant? In the end, I believe in Karma. The money takes care of itself.
I have one to add to your list.
Death of a Salesman
It's a reminder that money doesn't buy happiness and love.
True they are only shells, but the entertainment value is there!
They can also be good for a little kick start. (really, though, if you need a movie to do this?.?.?.)
The people to watch out for are the ones that see these movies and try to be just like the featured characters - hysterical!
On a lighter note - the only one I havn't seen is The Prime Gig - since I also lack a social life, it's off to the store!
Have a great weekend!