Sell Like a Monk: Sales Training & Business Development Excellence

Comprehensive Sales Coaching and Professional Development Using Strengths-Based Methodology, Character Development, and Relationship-First Selling for Sustainable Success

 THE CRISIS IN SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

For decades, sales has been driven by a "numbers game" philosophy: make enough calls, schedule enough appointments, deliver enough presentations, close enough deals. This performance-at-all-costs approach assumes that if we hit the numbers, we'll be successful—and if we're successful, we'll be happy.

The results? Two devastating crises:

Crisis #1: Unprecedented Turnover

• 35-40% of salespeople leave annually—3X higher than any other profession

• Over 80% of realtors don't survive their first 5 years

• 94% of financial advisors fail within their first two years

Crisis #2: Mental Health Epidemic The Sales Health Alliance reveals that sales professionals face alarming mental health challenges driven by micromanagement focused only on metrics, relentless pressure of missing targets, and working alongside other demoralized colleagues.

The root cause? We've treated salespeople as programmable robots rather than human beings. We've forced everyone into the same process, regardless of their unique strengths. We've measured activity instead of developing character.

WHAT IF THERE WAS A BETTER WAY?

• What if selling could be grounded in virtue rather than manipulation?

• What if business development was about serving others and using your God-given talents?

• What if we built relationships first and created clients second?

• What if we pursued excellence through continuous improvement rather than relentless pressure?

• What if success came from competing against ourselves—becoming better each day—rather than destroying competitors?

This is person-centric, strengths-based, virtue-driven business development.

This is Sell Like a Monk.

THE FIVE MONK PRINCIPLES

Sell Like a Monk integrates 1,500 years of Benedictine wisdom with contemporary strengths science and proven sales methodology. It's built on five timeless principles that transform how you approach business development:

1. INTENTION - Grow Intentionally

The Principle: Leadership and sales excellence begin with interior transformation—developing character and virtue as your foundation.

How It Applies to Sales:

• Discover your unique character strengths using the VIA assessment (24 strengths, 6 virtues)

• Build from who you are at your best, not tactics that feel inauthentic

• Ascend the Ladder of Humility—moving from ego-driven to service-driven selling

• Create sustainable success grounded in virtue, not manipulation

• Let your character become your competitive advantage

The Result: You sell from a place of integrity and authenticity, creating trust that generates referrals and long-term client relationships.

2. STABILITY - Anchor Firmly

The Principle: Strategic clarity and purposeful vision create the foundation for consistent, sustainable success.

How It Applies to Sales:

• Define your "why"—the higher purpose beyond just making quota

• Create strategic clarity about who you serve and how you serve them best

• Build stable processes that align with your strengths and values

• Develop resilience to withstand market changes and challenges

• Make decisions guided by principles, not panic

The Result: You operate from a place of clarity and confidence, enabling you to weather difficulties and build a sustainable practice.

3. COMMUNITY - Connect Deeply

The Principle: Genuine relationship and authentic connection come before transactions.

How It Applies to Sales:

• Master the "Build Relationships → Create Clients" model (in that order)

• Focus on finding common ground before discussing solutions

• Create meaningful conversations that build trust naturally

• Generate referrals through genuine connection, not forced networking

• Develop a community around your work, not just a client list

The Result: You create a network of advocates who refer you because of the relationship, not just the results.

4. EXCELLENCE - Improve Relentlessly

The Principle: Continuous improvement and value creation through leveraging your natural talents.

How It Applies to Sales:

• Discover your CliftonStrengths (34 talent themes) and learn to leverage them

• Shift from features/benefits presentations to value creation conversations

• Develop innovation through curiosity about your clients' real needs

• Practice "deep work" to develop true mastery of your craft

• Compete against yourself—becoming better each day

• Apply the Strengths Equation: Talent × Investment = Strength

The Result: You become indispensable by creating exceptional value that generic competitors can't match.

5. PROFOUND HOSPITALITY - Deliver Authentically

The Principle: Exceptional care and authentic service that makes people feel they truly matter.

How It Applies to Sales:

• Welcome prospects and clients with genuine warmth and attention

• Make people feel significant—that they matter to you beyond the transaction

• Create exceptional experiences at every touchpoint

• Turn clients into raving fans through service excellence

• Let hospitality become your competitive advantage

The Result: Clients become ambassadors who enthusiastically refer you because of how you made them feel.

A COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION SYSTEM

The Monk Principles aren't just concepts—they're a comprehensive framework integrating:

• Character Assessment (VIA Character Strengths) - Build from virtue

• Talent Assessment (CliftonStrengths) - Leverage your natural gifts

• Process Development (Sales Flourishing Model) - Relationship-first methodology

• Cultural Integration (Competing Values Framework) - Team alignment

• Sustained Coaching (90-day transformation) - Real change, not just information

Available in three training formats (half-day, full-day, two-day) with ongoing coaching and support.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

Instead of pressure and burnout, discover:

• Business development as natural expression of who you are

• Sustainable success through leveraging your unique strengths

• Joy in serving others while succeeding yourself

Instead of manipulation and tactics, build:

• Character-grounded approach that creates authentic trust

• Relationships that generate endless referrals

• Excellence that makes you indispensable

• Legacy of virtue-based success

DESIGNED FOR NON-SALES PROFESSIONALS

If you're a consultant, advisor, entrepreneur, or professional who needs to develop business but you're not a traditional "salesperson"—this is for you. Perfect for financial advisors, consultants, coaches, entrepreneurs, attorneys, accountants, nonprofit leaders, and anyone responsible for business development who values character and relationships over pressure and manipulation.

Ready to transform how you approach business development?

To learn more about our sales programs set up a free strategy call with Mike. Click on the button below.