April 11, 2024
From Baseball to Sales: Tad Gold’s Transition and Tips for Success
In a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tad Gold, a former professional baseball player who successfully transitioned into a thriving sales career. Tad’s journey from the baseball diamond to the sales floor is filled with valuable insights and advice for athletes and veterans considering a similar path.
Athletic Memories and Transition
Tad’s sports career is packed with memorable moments, both in hockey and baseball. One standout memory is winning the conference championship with Endicott College, defeating the perennial powerhouse, Western New England. Another unforgettable moment was being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles during a special ceremony on his hometown team, the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks, where he was the only local player.
Despite his successes, Tad didn’t initially see a future in professional baseball. When his playing career ended, he felt lost and unsure of his next steps. However, observing his friends’ success in tech sales, Tad decided to explore this new field. He moved to Boston, started applying for sales roles, and landed his first job at Toast, a leading company in the restaurant technology sector.
Transitioning Skills from Sports to Sales
Tad attributes much of his success in sales to the skills he honed as an athlete. Key traits that translated well included:
Competitiveness: The drive to be the best is a powerful motivator in both sports and sales.
Teamwork: Sales often requires collaboration, and working well with a team is crucial.
Coachability: Just as athletes take feedback and improve their game, sales professionals must be open to coaching and continuously seek to improve.
Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals
For athletes and veterans considering a career in sales, Tad offers several pieces of advice:
Understand Your Motivation: Before diving in, understand why you want to pursue sales. It’s more than just being likable and outgoing; it involves being a consultant and a trusted advisor to your clients.
Choose the Right Company: Look for a company with strong leadership, a product you believe in, and a culture you can see yourself thriving in. Surrounding yourself with the right people can significantly impact your growth and success.
Be Prepared for the Grind: Sales can be challenging, with frequent rejections and tough days. However, the rewards come to those who are resilient and continuously strive to improve.
Why Tad Loves Sales
Tad’s love for sales has evolved over time. Initially drawn by the unlimited earning potential and personal growth opportunities, he now finds great satisfaction in coaching others. Watching his team members implement feedback and succeed is immensely rewarding. This transition from individual contributor to a leadership role has allowed Tad to apply his competitive spirit in a new and impactful way.
Being Dialed In
When asked what it means to be “dialed in” as a sales professional, Tad emphasized the importance of focus and preparation. Just as athletes practice intensely before a game, sales professionals must prepare thoroughly for their interactions with clients. Being dialed in means being present, focused, and ready to execute flawlessly during those crucial moments.
Final Thoughts
Tad Gold’s journey from professional sports to a successful sales career is a testament to the transferable skills athletes bring to the corporate world. His story highlights the importance of competitiveness, teamwork, and continuous improvement. For athletes and veterans considering a career in sales, Tad’s insights offer a valuable roadmap to success.
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