The Psychology of Selling book cover

The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy Summary

The Psychology of Selling
Brian Tracy
4.16 (8407 Reviews)
Psychology
Business
Self-growth
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of The Psychology of Selling

Transform your sales game with Brian Tracy's "Psychology of Selling" - the industry bible that's shaped modern sales training worldwide. Discover the "winning edge concept" that elite performers use to outperform competitors by just 20% while earning 80% more.

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Key takeaways

1

Why Some Salespeople Earn Ten Times More Than Others

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Two salespeople walk into the same company on the same day. They receive identical training, sell identical products at identical prices, and work in the same territory. Five years later, one drives a luxury car and vacations in Europe. The other struggles to pay rent. What creates this staggering divide? The answer isn't product knowledge, closing techniques, or even natural charisma. It's something far more fundamental-the invisible programming running between your ears. Your self-concept, that bundle of beliefs about who you are and what you're capable of, functions like a master operating system determining every word you speak, every action you take, and ultimately, every dollar you earn. Harvard researchers studying sixteen thousand salespeople discovered that success factors were overwhelmingly mental rather than technical. The most shocking finding? Most people operate at just 10% of their potential effectiveness, leaving 90% of their capabilities untapped. Like a computer running on outdated software, your internal programming either propels you toward exceptional results or keeps you trapped in mediocrity. Your income isn't random-it's precisely calibrated to match an internal setting psychologists call your "income self-concept." Think of it like a thermostat. Set your home thermostat to 68 degrees, and the system constantly adjusts to maintain that temperature. When the room gets warmer, the air conditioning kicks in. When it gets cooler, the heat turns on. Your income works exactly the same way. Psychologists discovered that salespeople never earn more than 10% above or below their internal income setting for any sustained period. Earn significantly more one month, and you'll unconsciously sabotage yourself-taking longer lunches, avoiding difficult calls, or making careless mistakes. Earn less, and suddenly you're energized, making extra calls and closing deals you'd normally miss. This isn't conscious behavior; it's your subconscious mind protecting the identity you've constructed. You can never earn more externally than you believe internally you're worth.

2

Conquering the Two Fears That Steal Your Success

3

The Goal-Setting System That Multiplies Results

4

Understanding the Real Reasons People Buy

5

The Creative Prospecting System That Fills Your Pipeline

6

The Closing Principles That Turn Prospects Into Customers

7

Your Path to the Top: Becoming Exceptional

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@Matt, YC alum
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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