This is an article about sales as much as it is about challenging the Grand Canyon. I have ventured into the belly of the world wonder seven times. Each time it has been a different experience. The experience of each journey is like a sales experience because, although the journey is similar, it is never the same. I have challenged the Grand Canyon in the heat of summer, cold of winter and beauty of spring and fall. The 21 mile, Rim to Rim, hike offers the greatest experience of what the canyon offers.

Prepare for the Toughest Journey of Your Life
The challenge of the Grand Canyon requires preparation for the worst. The journey must be mapped out and planned, for the best times of hiking in the day. It is critical that you save energy for the return hike out. In the heat of summer, the temperatures can rise beyond 120 degrees and inexperienced hikers die in the canyon. The canyon can be brutal. I know because, on my first trip in 1970, on the last mile stretch I felt like I wasnt going to complete the journey. On my first journey I wasnt prepared and did a lot of things wrong which impeded my rise through the challenges. Although, I finished the journey, I vowed never to experience the same problems again.

This has been the same for me in sales. Each time I start a sales adventure, I use my sales process and follow it like a map to success. The sales journey is always similar, but never the same. If I didnt have my sales process, I could easily vanish in the canyon of lost sales and never come out. Preparing for each sales call is important and makes sense as it does in hiking. Keeping the sales objectives in focus helps us reach goals faster.

Hike With a Guide or Get Lost on the Trail
Hiking with a guide makes sense on the trail. It also makes sense using a guide or business coach in tough sales territory. If you arent familiar with the tough terrain of sales, you can get lost. A guide can show you where to go, what to see and how to get there. This analogy is most appropriate in new markets and business ventures.

Remember Accomplishment, for Inspiration
When you are hiking out of the Grand Canyon, you should never look up to see where you are going unless you want to become depressed. Instead, turn around and look to see where you have come from. This is true in sales as much as it is in hiking. There is a point on Bright Angel Trail when you are on the last mile where it becomes very depressing. The long winding trail seems like it will take forever. If you look back to view a wonder vista of colors, you also see the challenges you have already conquered. This perspective always inspires me to push forward.

It will do the same for you in sales. When you reach the point where there is so much to do, look at what you have accomplished. It will always refresh your soul. Because the sales process is a repeatable journey, you can use the successful experience from one sales adventure to inspire you for the next one.