Interview with Sales Trainer, Author, and Speaker Eric Lofholm
Josh Hinds: Eric, can you please share your background with us. And give us an overview of what you do now.
Eric Lofholm: 10 years ago I was a cook at McDonalds. I had just completed my 5th year of community college. I quit McDonalds, dropped out of college, and proposed to my wife all in the same day! I went to work for a seminar leader. I worked for First Hybrid Corporation for a little over 2 years. I learned phone sales, front of the room sales, and direct mail at that company.
I then went to work for Tony Robbins. I worked for Tony for 3 years. I now own my own sales training company. I live in San Diego, California with my wife, Jarris and my son, Brandon. I coach and train sales professionals every day.
Josh Hinds: What is the most valuable piece of advice you could give to the person just starting out in a career in sales?
Eric Lofholm: Find a mentor. I was trained by Tony Martinez and Dr. Donald Moine. I became the number one sales person at the first company I worked at by modeling the top producer in the office.
Josh Hinds: What do you see as the key distinctions between the stellar sales professionals and those who have not reached that level yet, but wish to do so. And what are suggestions you'd offer to those wanting to attain a higher level of success.
Eric Lofholm: Top sales people have reasons to achieve outstanding results. Top sales people deliver great sales scripts. Mediocre sales people are not very motivated. Their sales language is weak. If you want to go to the next level in selling become a student of sales. Read books and go to seminars. Hire a sales coach. Model the top producer. Set goals. Make a decision to win.
Josh Hinds: Who has been the most instrumental person in helping you pursue your goals? In what ways did your association with them help you to become who you are now?
Eric Lofholm: I have had many people who have helped me along the way. Dante' Perano, Tony Martinez, Dr. Moine, and Tony Robbins. These four individuals are among the best speakers and trainers in the world. I would not be where I am today without them caring about me. Each one of them has invested personal time and caring in developing me and my selling skills.
Josh Hinds: How successful do you feel at this point in your life? What other goals do you have in mind?
Eric Lofholm: That is an interesting question. I guess it is a matter of perspective. If I compare myself to where I was when I worked at McDonalds I am wildly successful. If I compare myself to the top speakers in the world I am just getting started.
I feel very good about what I have been able to accomplish so far. As I am writing this I am 31. I am approaching my 10 year wedding anniversary. I have the best wife in the world. I have an awesome son. I have a wonderful company. Having said that there is still so much for me to accomplish. I want to become the premier sales trainer of my generation. I want to impact sales training all over the globe. I want to be able to contribute to my family much more.
Josh Hinds: Can you talk about some setbacks you've experienced in your life? As well as how you overcame them.
Eric Lofholm: I have had many set backs. I had a personal bankruptcy. My wife and I separated at one point. My car was repossessed. I was nearly fired because I couldn't hit my quota at my first sales job. Part of success is failure. Their is duality in life. You have to take the good with the bad. The bad wasn't really bad. It is just part of the journey.
Josh Hinds: What type of training did you have, if any that you think was most helpful in starting your business.
Eric Lofholm: I read lots of books. Tom Hopkins, Mark Victor Hansen, Tony Robbins, Dr. Moine, etc. I listen to lots of audiotapes. I go to lots of seminars. Become a student of learning.
Josh Hinds: If you had to list your strongest attribute that has helped you achieve the success you've had thus far what would it be?
Eric Lofholm: Consistency. I wake up every day and make progress on my goals. Some days it is a single step. Other days it is a mile. Every day I take action.
Josh Hinds: You're the author of "How to Become a Better Sales Person" & "How to Master the Art of Goal Setting". Can you give us an overview of them as well as share some of the information included in them?
Eric Lofholm: How to Become a Better Salesperson teaches step-by-step strategies for any sales person or network marketer to improve their sales. How to Master the Art of Goal Setting teaches step-by-step how to set and achieve goals.
Josh Hinds: How important has having an online presence been in helping to build your business and helping to get your message out to the masses?
Eric Lofholm: The internet has been huge for my business. I have an free email newsletter on success available at my web site, www.ericlofholm.com, I have subscribers from all over the world.
Josh Hinds: What top 5 books, tapes, etc. have had the biggest impact on you, and which would you recommend to others.
Eric Lofholm:
1) Unlimited Selling Power by Dr. Moine
2) Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins
3) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
4) How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
5) Future Diary by Mark Victor Hansen
Josh Hinds: In your opinion how important is having a positive mental attitude? And how should someone best go about cultivating one if they're lacking in this area?
Eric Lofholm: Your attitude attracts or repels others. Like attracts like. If you are negative you will attract negative people in your life. If you are positive you will attract positive people. For example, Josh, you and I have become friends via the internet. I believe our positive mental attitudes are the main reason for our friendship. You get a PMA by deciding that you are going to be positive.
Josh Hinds: Eric, I appreciate your taking the time to be here with us. Is there anything you'd like to add that would be of value to our readers?
Eric Lofholm: I have a free ebook. You can get it for free by going to www.ericlofholm.com
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