In today's fast-paced business world, it's more important than ever to stay updated and continuously develop your sales skills. But how do you do it effectively? In this post, we dive deeper into Mikael Arndt's three favorite tools for improving sales skills: books, podcasts, and social media. Based on insights from when Mikael Arndt from the company Closers Only guest-starred on our podcast Vaamazing Sales, we provide you with concrete tips on how to use these tools to continuously improve your sales knowledge.

1. Books - An Inexhaustible Source of KnowledgeBooks have long been a cornerstone of all forms of learning, and sales is no exception. Mikael Arndt particularly highlights the book "Winning" as one of his favorite books in the field.

"I love a book called Winning right now. Have done so for several years," says Mikae

But why are books so effective when it comes to developing your sales skills? Here are some reasons:

• In-depth knowledge: Books provide the opportunity to dive deep into a subject and explore it from different angles.
• Proven methods: Many books about sales are written by experienced experts who share their tried-and-tested methods and strategies.
• Flexibility: You can read at your own pace and return to important sections when needed.

To get the most out of your sales books, try these tips:

1. Set a reading goal: Decide to read a certain number of pages or minutes each day.
2. Take notes: Write down important insights and ideas while reading.
3. Apply directly: Try to implement at least one new idea from each book you read in your daily work.

2. Podcasts - Learning On-the-Go

In our increasingly hectic everyday lives, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and read a book. This is where podcasts come in as an excellent complement. Mikael Arndt highlights podcasts as one of his favorite tools for continuous learning.

The benefits of podcasts for salespeople include:

• Accessibility: You can listen while commuting, exercising, or doing other tasks.
• Currency: Many podcasts cover current trends and events in the sales world.
• Variety: There are a variety of podcasts focusing on different aspects of sales, from cold calling to advanced negotiation techniques.

To maximize the benefits of podcasts, try these strategies:

1. Create a playlist: Gather your favorite episodes in a playlist for easy access.
2. Listen actively: Take notes or record voice memos with your thoughts and ideas while listening.
3. Discuss with colleagues: Share interesting episodes with your colleagues and discuss how you can apply the insights in your work.

3. Social Media - Quick Insights in a Fast-Paced Stream

The third tool that Mikael Arndt highlights is perhaps a bit unexpected for many: social media, and especially TikTok.

"That's where I get most knowledge. Not LinkedIn as many might think. And by that, I don't mean little girls dancing, but my feed on TikTok is just full of gurus. There's so much coming," Mikael explains.

Why can social media be an effective tool for salespeople?

• Quick insights: Short videos and posts provide quick, easily digestible tips and ideas.
• Diversity of perspectives: You can follow a variety of experts and influencers in sales.
• Interactivity: Opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and network with other salespeople.

To use social media effectively for your sales development, try these tips:

1. Curate your feed: Carefully follow selected experts and influencers in sales.
2. Set a time limit: Decide on a specific time each day to go through your feed, so it doesn't take over your day.
3. Test and evaluate: Try the tips and techniques you see, and evaluate what works best for you.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Your Health

In addition to these three main tools, Mikael Arndt emphasizes the importance of physical exercise to increase your performance in sales.

"I've been training seven days a week, and it gives me a terrific start every damn day," says Mikael. "You know that getting better blood flow makes you smarter through exercise. Preferably getting more oxygen, more blood, and all that, which makes you smarter."

Including regular exercise in your routine can give you:

• Increased energy and focus
• Better stress management
• Improved cognitive ability

Summary and Next Steps

Becoming better at sales is a continuous process that requires commitment and dedication. By using a combination of books, podcasts, and social media, as well as taking care of your physical health, you can create a solid foundation for constant development and improvement.

But as Mikael Arndt points out, it's not enough to just consume information - you must also apply it. His final advice is clear:

"Every day, write down your ten most important goals in life. That's what I think. That's where everything starts. Every day, five minutes. Bring out your ten most important goals and write them down every morning. It's the first thing you do when you wake up."

By combining this daily goal-setting practice with the three tools for continuous learning, you create a powerful strategy to constantly improve your sales skills and reach new heights in your career.

So, what are you waiting for? Start by writing down your ten most important goals tomorrow, choose a book about sales to read, find a sales podcast to subscribe to, and start following some sales experts on social media. Your journey to becoming an even better salesperson starts now!

‍