April 18, 2024
From Gridiron to Sales: Kanan Severn’s Journey and Advice
In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kanan Severn, a former NFL player from Marlborough, Massachusetts, who has successfully transitioned into a sales career. Kanan shared his experiences, insights, and advice for athletes and veterans considering a move into sales.
Football Highlights
Kanan’s athletic career is marked by memorable moments, including a standout performance against Notre Dame during his time at the University of Virginia (UVA). He reminisced about his SportsCenter Top 10 catch against Miami and being voted team captain, a testament to his leadership and dedication. His professional career included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, where he learned from some of the best in the game.
Transition to Sales
After his football career, Kanan faced the challenge of finding a new path. His journey into sales began with an interview at Robert Half, which he had to defer when he signed with the Giants. Once he decided to move on from football, he returned to Robert Half, leveraging his family’s connections in accounting to land his first job.
Challenges and Learning Curves
Kanan candidly discussed the difficulties of transitioning from sports to a corporate environment. The early days in sales were tough, but his athletic background equipped him with resilience and a strong work ethic. He emphasized the importance of understanding and handling objections, drawing parallels to learning complex playbooks in football.
Key Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals
Embrace Relationships: Kanan highlighted his love for building relationships as a key driver in his sales career. He advised aspiring salespeople to focus on being reliable and bringing value to their clients.
Study the Best: Just as athletes study top performers, Kanan encouraged new sales professionals to learn from the best in their field. Observing and emulating successful colleagues can provide a solid foundation for growth.
Prepare for Objections: Being “audible ready” is crucial. Understanding common objections and having responses ready can significantly improve sales effectiveness.
Choose the Right Company: Kanan stressed the importance of selecting a company with good leadership and growth potential. He shared his experience with equity and the long-term benefits of being part of a startup.
Focus on Equity: Understanding the value of equity in a company can be a game-changer. Kanan recommended seeking roles that offer equity, as it can lead to substantial financial rewards in the long run.
Staying Dialed In
Kanan’s definition of being dialed in as a sales professional mirrors his approach to sports: preparation, organization, and a deep understanding of the game plan. He stressed the importance of proper preparation to prevent poor performance, a principle that has guided him throughout his career.
Final Thoughts
Kanan Severn’s journey from football to sales is a testament to the transferable skills athletes bring to the corporate world. His story highlights the importance of resilience, relationship-building, and continuous learning. For athletes and veterans considering a career in sales, Kanan’s insights provide valuable guidance and inspiration.
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