When I was a younger man, I read lots of books trying to learn the best way to live. One of the authors that moved me most was Zig Zigler. He grew up poor (though didn’t know it at the time) and with character. He was an amazing salesman, teaching himself the lessons of selling with integrity and humor.

I think this was a Zig story about selling vacuum cleaners. He was in a prospect’s house and threw a handful of dirt on the floor and said, “If my vacuum cleaner can’t completely clean that dirt up, I’ll eat it.” The prospect said to him in a drawl, “Wellll, I hope you brought your appetite cause we ain’t got the ‘lectricity. ”

Zigler on Selling is one of the best sales books I’ve ever read. Their website blurb says:

Selling is a magnificently rewarding and exciting profession. It is, however, more than a career. You’ve got to be before you can do. A successful sales professional clearly understands that education and preparation is never finished.

So you probably don’t work in sales and wonder why I’d recommend you read or listen to Zig. We all sell, regardless of our type of work. And we all benefit from moving our attitude from blah to bold.

Zig died this week at 86 (the same age as my Dad). If you’ve read his books, pick one back up and look over it again. If you haven’t, check his website and have a read or a listen. He will inspire you to be the best possible you.

Here are a few of his many memorable quotes:

You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.

If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.

Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.