TLDR: Just like the New York Knicks embody teamwork, hustle, and resilience, salespeople can apply these values to succeed. By doing the little things, sticking together, and outworking the competition, sales teams can achieve remarkable results.
The Knicks’ Blueprint for Success:
The New York Knicks have built a reputation for their relentless work ethic and dedication to doing the little things that lead to victory. Key players like Julius Randle, known for his scoring and leadership, and Mitchell Robinson, a defensive anchor and rebounding machine, epitomize these values. New additions like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart bring tenacity and versatility, showcasing the importance of diverse skill sets and adaptability.
Applying Knicks’ Principles to Sales:
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Just as the Knicks thrive on teamwork, sales success hinges on collaboration. Share insights, support each other, and work towards common goals. A unified team can outmaneuver competitors and close deals more effectively.
Hustle and Persistence:
- The Knicks’ players are known for their hustle and never-give-up attitude. In sales, persistence is key. Follow up with prospects, keep refining your pitch, and don’t be discouraged by initial rejections. Your effort will eventually pay off. Just like Duce out there playing lock down defense, you need to be playing lock down follow up and be all over your prospect like they are your best friend. If you’re like Josh Hart then I want you on my sales team. You don’t bring in the largest deals, but you get above 100% every quarter by finding the hidden deals. You know more about sales than your manager and without a doubt are the team favorite person.
Doing the Little Things:
- The Knicks excel in doing the little things—grabbing rebounds, diving for loose balls, and playing tough defense. In sales, this translates to paying attention to details, personalizing your outreach, and continuously improving your skills and knowledge. If you’re anything like OG Anunoby, you’ll be doing ALL the little things and getting paid big time. I was not a firm believer in the Knicks giving this man $30mm a season… now I think he deserves $40mm a season… Back up the trucks to keep this man on the Knicks.
Versatility and Adaptability:
- Players like Donte DiVincenzo and Alec Burks bring versatility, filling various roles as needed. Salespeople should be adaptable, ready to pivot strategies based on customer needs and market conditions. Precious Achiuwa was seen as an extra throw in part of the OG trade to the Knicks, and he has been spectacular with his adaptability to his role. As a sales rep you need to be able to go with the flow, but understand you control the sales call and you need to continue being flexible in bouncing off your prospects and customers to get back to the overall goal… sell sell sell.
Building Strong Relationships:
- The Knicks’ success is also built on strong team chemistry and relationships. Similarly, building strong relationships with clients and prospects is crucial. Be a trusted advisor, provide value, and show genuine interest in their success. This year an anonymous poll showed Tom Thibodeau was the coach players wanted to play for least. Yet I hear nothing but praise from all his current and former players. He has found success every team he has coached. Tom has built deep relationships with his players where they trust and love him. Do the same with your prospects and customers and you’ll never have an empty wallet.
