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The Road to Success: How Persistence and Strategy Will Turn Your Sales into Gold

August 28, 20257 min read

John’s journey started like many others in sales: with a bit of hesitation, a few slow days, and the initial sting of rejection. After our strategy session, he was ready to get into the trenches and start making calls. The plan was clear: hit the phones, make the calls, and slowly but surely, fill up the pipeline.

But as with anything in sales, the results didn’t come easily. John reached out, but only a handful of people picked up. Fewer still responded on WhatsApp—less than 1% of his contacts. Out of the many emails he sent, only one person opened it, and nobody clicked through. It was a brutal start.

He needed some encouragement. He needed to know that this struggle, this frustration, was a part of the process. And, he was right to feel down; it’s hard to keep pushing when the feedback is so sparse.

I get it, John. That kind of response would make anyone doubt themselves. But here’s the thing—this is where the real work starts.

Embrace the Numbers Game

Sales, especially outbound sales, is nothing more than a numbers game. And sometimes, the cold, hard truth is that you’ve got to take the shots, day after day, even when it feels like you’re firing into the abyss.

When I talked to John about his cold calling efforts, the first thing I asked was: “How many times have you tried each number?” Because, my friend, persistence is key. You can’t make just a handful of calls and expect a flood of sales. You need to hit your targets over and over again, with the same tenacity you would if you were lining up at the free-throw line in a high-stakes game.

Imagine this: you’ve got a list of 100 prospects. You don’t stop calling after two or three attempts. No. You hit those numbers repeatedly, over and over again. “Bob, I’m trying you again.” “Gavin, I’m back.” Day after day. You need to be relentless. Your goal is to break through, and the only way to do that is by getting in front of the decision-maker every single time.

It takes 5, 10, 15 calls sometimes, but eventually, that one call will land. That’s when everything changes.

The Power of Persistence: Why “One or Two” Just Won’t Cut It

Look, I know it’s frustrating. You’re out there, dialing numbers, leaving messages, sending emails—and still, crickets. It’s enough to make anyone want to throw in the towel. But this is where most people quit. They think they’ve given it their all after a handful of calls. They feel they’re not getting results and stop before they’ve even really started.

That’s the difference between someone who is successful in sales and someone who isn’t. The successful ones push through. They don’t give up after the third call. They keep going. They trust the process.

Let me tell you, I’ve had clients who had to make 20, 30, even 50 calls before they landed a conversation with the right person. That’s how it works. That’s the grind.

The key takeaway here: you’ve got to try harder and try longer. It’s about having the stamina to keep going when it feels like you’re running in place. Once you’ve got that first conversation, you’ve got a foot in the door. Then, the snowball effect kicks in. They start talking to others about you, and the momentum builds.

Plan B: Getting Creative with Face-to-Face

Now, I know John’s situation is a little different. He’s working in a super remote area where face-to-face meetings might seem like a hassle. But sometimes, you need to get creative. If the calls aren’t cutting it, if the emails aren’t enough, and if WhatsApp isn’t giving you the traction you need, it’s time to pivot.

We might have to rethink the strategy. Maybe it’s time to hit the road—literally.

One or two days a week on the road could make all the difference. Instead of focusing solely on calls, you could start doing demos with your machines. Take your product to the people, and show them what they’re missing. Remember, face-to-face sells, especially when you’ve got something that can save them a significant amount of money.

I know face-to-face selling can be a bit costly, but sometimes, it’s the best option, and it’s always Plan B for a reason. But for John, this might just become Plan A. He knows firsthand how well face-to-face can work—he built his greenhouse business on it. If it’s working in one industry, it can work in another.

Plan C: Leverage Partnerships and Collaborations

If face-to-face seems too big of a leap for now, let’s think outside the box. What about partnerships? There are likely consultants or other business owners in John’s industry who already have the audience he’s trying to reach. Why not explore collaboration opportunities? Tap into someone else’s established list of contacts, someone who can get your product in front of the right people faster and more effectively.

This is one of those ideas that can move the needle quickly—especially when gold calling isn’t getting you the results you need. A strategic partnership can lead to more exposure, more credibility, and ultimately more sales.

Your Path to Success: Double or Triple Your Efforts

When it comes to sales, no one said it was easy. But I will tell you this—if you’re not getting the results you want, it’s time to double, triple, or even quadruple your efforts.

That means hitting the phones even harder. And when you do get through to someone, don’t just leave a voicemail and wait for a callback. No. Keep calling, keep following up, and don’t let up until they pick up.

A good script helps, but persistence is your secret weapon. Think about it—what’s the worst that can happen? They don’t pick up? Fine. Call them again tomorrow. Keep dialing until you get through. This is how you build a reliable pipeline.

And when you do reach them, hit them with the value of your product. Don’t hold back. Tell them exactly how this machine saved you thousands, and how it could save them the same. A good product will sell itself once you break through the noise.

Getting Creative with Mail Campaigns

Still struggling? Then it’s time to get even more creative. Try a direct mail campaign. A well-designed, unconventional letter can make a big impact—especially when it’s paired with an irresistible offer. How about including a voucher for $250 off if they call you within seven days?

Send these out in bright-colored envelopes—think bright yellow or pink. Stick your picture on the front so it feels personal. This kind of letter will stand out in their mailbox, and I guarantee it’ll get noticed. Even if it’s just a few more calls, those calls can turn into huge opportunities.

The Final Word: Don’t Give Up, Keep Pushing

To wrap it up, John, and anyone else out there who feels like they’re hitting a wall—do not give up. We know the road is tough, but the results are worth it.

You’ve got an incredible product that can make a huge difference for your clients. So keep dialing, keep following up, and don’t let the slow start discourage you. It’s just a matter of hitting the numbers, staying persistent, and being patient. This process works. I’ve seen it time and time again.

You’ve got this, John. Now, let’s go make those sales.


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Tagged Business Growth Strategy, Business Tips, Growth, Mindset, Sales Success


High Performance Business Coach
Founder, Premier Business Academy

Bernard Powell

High Performance Business Coach Founder, Premier Business Academy

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