From Flight Attendant to Sales Success: Lessons from My Journey

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do, you will be successful.

I wrote my first book called Get To The Top. This book shares my journey and lessons learned from my sales career. It’s based on my real-life experiences working for a large company and is meant to help new salespeople reach the top of their field.

My sales career started right after I lost my job as an international flight attendant. This happened after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers in New York City and hijacked planes. The attacks led to a significant decline in air travel because people were afraid of flying. My employer, Delta Air Lines, was losing a lot of money due to the drop in passengers. As a result, I, along with many others, found myself out of a job.

When I lost my job with Delta, I had to find a new career quickly. I decided to enter the banking industry. It was a big change from flying around the world to working in an office, but I was determined to succeed. The banking industry was challenging, but it gave me a new start and a chance to prove myself.

In banking, I quickly learned that sales were a crucial part of the job. I needed to sell financial products and services to individuals and businesses. This new career was different from being a flight attendant, where my job was more about service and safety. Now, I had to focus on meeting sales goals and winning clients.

Over the years, I gained a lot of experience and learned many valuable lessons in sales. These lessons helped me achieve significant success, including winning some of the biggest accounts for the bank. Two of my most notable achievements were securing accounts with Safeway Corporation and Arizona State Agencies.

In Get To The Top, I share the strategies and techniques that helped me reach the top of the sales field. One of the key lessons I discuss is how to approach decision-makers. In any company, the decision-makers are the people at the top who have the authority to choose which products or services to buy. Reaching and convincing these individuals can be challenging, but it’s essential for success in sales.

Here are some of the important strategies I cover in the book:

1. Research Your Target: Before approaching a decision-maker, it’s important to do your homework. Learn about the company and the individual you are going to meet. Understand their needs, challenges, and goals. This information will help you tailor your pitch to show how your product or service can benefit them specifically.

2. Build Relationships: Building strong relationships is crucial in sales. Take the time to connect with people on a personal level. Show genuine interest in their needs and concerns. A strong relationship can make it easier to secure deals and get referrals.

3. Be Prepared: When you get the chance to meet a decision-maker, be well-prepared. Have a clear and compelling presentation ready. Anticipate their questions and concerns, and be ready to address them. Being prepared shows professionalism and confidence.

4. Listen Actively: Listening is just as important as presenting your ideas. Pay close attention to what the decision-maker says. Their feedback and questions can give you valuable insights into what they need and how you can better serve them.

5. Follow Up: After your initial meeting or presentation, follow up promptly. Send a thank-you note or email, and provide any additional information they may have requested. Staying in touch shows that you are attentive and committed to their needs.

6. Stay Persistent: Sales can be tough, and you may face rejection. It’s important to stay persistent and not get discouraged. Keep refining your approach and learning from your experiences. Persistence and a positive attitude can lead to eventual success.

Writing this book was a way for me to give back and help others who are starting their sales careers. I wanted to share the knowledge I gained from my own experiences and help others avoid common mistakes. I hope that by reading Get To The Top, new salespeople can learn how to navigate the challenges of the industry and achieve their goals.

My journey from being a flight attendant to a successful salesperson was filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Losing my job after September 11 was a difficult experience, but it led me to a new and rewarding career in banking. Through hard work, determination, and the lessons I’ve learned, I was able to achieve significant success in sales. My book Get To The Top is a reflection of that journey and a guide for others who are looking to reach the top of their sales careers.