When Jenny DeVaughn was the guest on The Recruiting Animal Show she told me that she had been a cheerleader. I told her that The Brazen Careerist had written an article claiming that cheerleaders make great sales people. She agreed so I challenged her to explain why in writing. She finally did.

1. They have no Fear. A cheerleader yells clever chants in front of a crowd without hesitation. Have you ever witnessed some of the stunts that they do? Most former cheerleaders are not afraid to introduce themselves to strangers in person or to pick up the phone to do 50 cold calls. Cheerleaders are not afraid to ask for referrals either.

2. They are willing to Practice. Watch cheerleaders practice and you will see them repeat a routine a hundred times or more until it is perfect. A sales executive should prepare her 15-30 second elevator pitch so that it sounds non-rehearsed and natural.

3. They have Spirit. When you love what you do, it shows. Cheerleaders have learned to stay positive, even when their team is facing defeat. When you are hiring a sales force, would your clients prefer negative “Debbie Downers” or reps who are forward thinking?

4. They have Eye Candy. Cheerleaders crave attention and want their team’s fans to react in an upbeat way. Cheerleaders spend a lot of time working on their physical appearance to look their best. They are usually more focused on the crowd’s reaction than the game itself. This desire to please others is helpful in sales. Most people do business with people they like and sales people who show that they care.

Jenny

Jenny DeVaughn is a Senior Talent Consultant at Talent Connections