Sales professionals often face the challenge of staying innovative and ahead of the curve. One key to success lies in tapping into our inner genius. A Harvard study known as the Zero Point study explored what sets apart individuals who create transformative ideas and drive societal change. Surprisingly, it found that nearly everyone possesses this “genius capacity” at some point in life.
What is Genius Capacity?
The study defined genius as the ability to take in information through multiple modalities—such as auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and intuitive senses—and synthesize it into useful actions. For sales professionals, this means processing various signals from clients, market trends, and product knowledge to make strategic decisions that lead to successful outcomes.
The Decline of Genius Capacity
Interestingly, the study found that:
- 99% of babies operate at a genius capacity during their first 18 months of life.
- By the age of five, only 22% still function at this level.
- By age twenty, this number plummets to just 2%.
The decline is attributed to the rise of internal judgment. As we grow, self-doubt creeps in, leading us to seek validation and approval from others rather than trusting our instincts.
How This Applies to Sales Professionals
In sales, the ability to think creatively and trust your instincts can set you apart from the competition. Here are ways to reconnect with your inner genius and elevate your sales game:
- Trust Your Instincts: Sales interactions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Your intuition can be a powerful tool in reading clients’ needs and emotions. Trust it to guide your responses and strategies.
- Expand Your Modalities: Don’t rely solely on numbers and data. Incorporate visual aids, storytelling, and emotional intelligence into your sales approach. The more ways you can process and present information, the more dynamic and compelling your pitch becomes.
- Silence Internal Judgment: Self-doubt can limit your ability to take risks and seize opportunities. Instead of seeking approval, focus on refining your unique approach. Remember, every great salesperson once faced challenges and overcame them by trusting their inner genius.
Accessing Your Genius
To reignite your genius, start by recognizing its presence. When faced with a challenging sale or an ambitious goal, remind yourself of your innate ability to innovate and adapt. Embrace a mindset that welcomes new ideas and perspectives, enabling you to create solutions that others might overlook.
Sales isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about constantly evolving and finding new ways to connect with clients. Your genius capacity is your secret weapon in a crowded marketplace. Trust it, nurture it, and watch your sales performance reach new heights.
Use your genius, and believe in the power of your dreams.
P.S. Want support in discovering and building your dreams?
In between my coaching and speaking schedule, I carve out a few strategy sessions each month. If you would like a complimentary strategy session (Value = $250), simply contact me here.
