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The Extremely Successful Salesman's Club
"The choices you make from this day forward will lead you, step by step, to the future you deserve."
Read it, recommend it to friends - just make sure you keep it hidden from your competition.
In the heart of Victorian London - on a small three legged table, locked away in a circular room deep within the walls of the most elite and important private gentleman’s club of them all - sits an ancient manuscript that spells out the secret word of success.
During the summer of 1887, Barnabas Kreuz sends his young nephew an intriguing invitation – to join him in London and become a member of The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club.
There’s just one catch; to pass the club’s strict induction process he must spend a week learning seven strangely ambiguous rules, which can only be uncovered by following a series of clues etched into the very fabric of the city.
If Simeon can prove that he has understood the deeper meaning behind each rule, he will receive a single letter – and if all seven letters are arranged in a specific order, a word with many meanings will be revealed - the secret word off success.
The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club - Read it, recommend it to friends - just make sure you keep it hidden as far away from your competition as possible.
“The rules of success are told in such a captivating way that I could not put this book down. Those seven rules guide salespeople – novices and veterans – to create a solid sales foundation.” - Lee B. Salz - Bestselling Author of Hire Right, Higher Profits
Read it, recommend it to friends - just make sure you keep it hidden from your competition.
In the heart of Victorian London - on a small three legged table, locked away in a circular room deep within the walls of the most elite and important private gentleman’s club of them all - sits an ancient manuscript that spells out the secret word of success.
During the summer of 1887, Barnabas Kreuz sends his young nephew an intriguing invitation – to join him in London and become a member of The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club.
There’s just one catch; to pass the club’s strict induction process he must spend a week learning seven strangely ambiguous rules, which can only be uncovered by following a series of clues etched into the very fabric of the city.
If Simeon can prove that he has understood the deeper meaning behind each rule, he will receive a single letter – and if all seven letters are arranged in a specific order, a word with many meanings will be revealed - the secret word off success.
The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club - Read it, recommend it to friends - just make sure you keep it hidden as far away from your competition as possible.
“The rules of success are told in such a captivating way that I could not put this book down. Those seven rules guide salespeople – novices and veterans – to create a solid sales foundation.” - Lee B. Salz - Bestselling Author of Hire Right, Higher Profits
150 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2014
31 people are currently reading
3248 people want to read
About the author
Chris Murray
3 books37 followersChris Murray is founder and Managing Director of the Varda Kreuz Training Group and has become prominent as an inspirational speaker, author and business coach; delivering training workshops and keynote speeches that challenge teams to re-examine what it means to be ‘in sales’ and requiring them to stand back and view the whole experience from a refreshingly different angle.
His books include The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club – which was an Amazon Number 1 Best Seller heralded as the Da Vinci Code for salespeople; Selling with EASE and The Managers Guide to Achieving FAME.
He has also written and contributed to articles for a number of institutions, magazines and websites including; the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, Training Magazine Europe, The Sales Pro, CNBC.com, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post and USA Today.
His books include The Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club – which was an Amazon Number 1 Best Seller heralded as the Da Vinci Code for salespeople; Selling with EASE and The Managers Guide to Achieving FAME.
He has also written and contributed to articles for a number of institutions, magazines and websites including; the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, Training Magazine Europe, The Sales Pro, CNBC.com, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post and USA Today.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 24, 2014
The Extremely Successful Salesman's Club retells the story of a young man, Simeon, who's uncle Barnabas Kreuz, sponsors him into an establishment - The Extremely Successful Salesman's Club - that involves him undertaking an apprenticeship program. This program is based on seven core rules, that the book goes on to share with us, that are key to succeed not only in sales, but in life in general.
The first rule: "Adopt the positive...If you wish to adopt the positive you must learn how you truly help people with the things that you sell. Once you are aware of that vital piece of information every demonstration, every presentation, every transaction will be delivered with a light shining from your heart. From your heart will shine a beacon that tell« all prospects you can truly help and that that is your sole purpose for being there."
The second rule: "Embrace the fundamentals...customers do not want a lecture from you and they certainly don't want some juvenile in a bad suit forcing his wares upon them, while being told it's for their own good. No, they want their problem solved with as little expense, as quickly and painlessly as possible, by someone who knows what they're doing."
The third rule: "Plot your course: day-to day basis, we are all so busy, so lost in the whirlwind that our lives become, that that simple message just gets lost. We forget that we need to set our minds on an actual date and destination and then work towards getting there. Just like in our train story...:. Men constantly miscalculate what they can do in a day, and grossly underestimate what can be achieved in a year."
The fourth rule: "Take the journey: "his rule isn't about the direction. It's about making it happen, doing something with it. The challenge for you today is to take the first item of your plan and do it this afternoon."
The fifth rule: "Design your reputation: I can best describe it as designing two separate levels of perception. Perception number one, how you want people to think about you when you arrive and perception number two, how you want them to talk about you once you have left."
The sixth rule: "Regain the tenacity of a child...'From today onward, you will learn how to become evangelical about the many ways you help people. Do you think our preacher friend there wishes to share the good word with others for his own benefit? Do you believe that his passion to share the word of God is of a selfish nature?"
The seventh and final rule: "Listen as if your life depended on it: Listening is a discipline. It's all about being present at that moment in time. You have to recognize that what you are trying t to do is fully understand the customer before responding. If you don't understand, you ask again."
An enjoyable, easy to read story with deep meanings to reflect on, and practical advice to apply in sales and leadership.
The first rule: "Adopt the positive...If you wish to adopt the positive you must learn how you truly help people with the things that you sell. Once you are aware of that vital piece of information every demonstration, every presentation, every transaction will be delivered with a light shining from your heart. From your heart will shine a beacon that tell« all prospects you can truly help and that that is your sole purpose for being there."
The second rule: "Embrace the fundamentals...customers do not want a lecture from you and they certainly don't want some juvenile in a bad suit forcing his wares upon them, while being told it's for their own good. No, they want their problem solved with as little expense, as quickly and painlessly as possible, by someone who knows what they're doing."
The third rule: "Plot your course: day-to day basis, we are all so busy, so lost in the whirlwind that our lives become, that that simple message just gets lost. We forget that we need to set our minds on an actual date and destination and then work towards getting there. Just like in our train story...:. Men constantly miscalculate what they can do in a day, and grossly underestimate what can be achieved in a year."
The fourth rule: "Take the journey: "his rule isn't about the direction. It's about making it happen, doing something with it. The challenge for you today is to take the first item of your plan and do it this afternoon."
The fifth rule: "Design your reputation: I can best describe it as designing two separate levels of perception. Perception number one, how you want people to think about you when you arrive and perception number two, how you want them to talk about you once you have left."
The sixth rule: "Regain the tenacity of a child...'From today onward, you will learn how to become evangelical about the many ways you help people. Do you think our preacher friend there wishes to share the good word with others for his own benefit? Do you believe that his passion to share the word of God is of a selfish nature?"
The seventh and final rule: "Listen as if your life depended on it: Listening is a discipline. It's all about being present at that moment in time. You have to recognize that what you are trying t to do is fully understand the customer before responding. If you don't understand, you ask again."
An enjoyable, easy to read story with deep meanings to reflect on, and practical advice to apply in sales and leadership.
June 7, 2014
***RECEIVED FROM FIRST READS GIVEAWAY***
What I loved about this book was that the author - who is a speaker and sales training coach - has opted to give advice on becoming a successful salesman not by preaching a boring how to book, but by creating a story of an uncle guiding his nephew in becoming a salesman. I understood the qualities needed, and although I am not a salesperson (unless you count reviewing on Goodreads!), I learned how to become a better person, how to communicate to other people better, and the basic principles of becoming a successful salesperson. It was entertaining and by using the uncle character to question and educate the nephew, Simeon, the reader is also pulled into the education, because you can't help but answer as it goes along. A good read and instructional for all walks of life, not just salesmen!
What I loved about this book was that the author - who is a speaker and sales training coach - has opted to give advice on becoming a successful salesman not by preaching a boring how to book, but by creating a story of an uncle guiding his nephew in becoming a salesman. I understood the qualities needed, and although I am not a salesperson (unless you count reviewing on Goodreads!), I learned how to become a better person, how to communicate to other people better, and the basic principles of becoming a successful salesperson. It was entertaining and by using the uncle character to question and educate the nephew, Simeon, the reader is also pulled into the education, because you can't help but answer as it goes along. A good read and instructional for all walks of life, not just salesmen!
March 16, 2014
The Extremely Successful Salesman's Club by Chris Murray
On the surface this is a manual to teach you how to sell effectively and improve your life. But it is presented in a humorous and very clever fictionalised "Victorian" series of diary entries. Neither of these descriptions do it justice. Very easy to read but makes you think.
On the surface this is a manual to teach you how to sell effectively and improve your life. But it is presented in a humorous and very clever fictionalised "Victorian" series of diary entries. Neither of these descriptions do it justice. Very easy to read but makes you think.
May 1, 2014
Set in Victorian England, Simeon receives an intriguing offer from his uncle to join the Extremely Successful Salesman's Club, a secret society of wealthy and influential men. The book chronicles the week of induction into the club and the training his uncle Barnabas gives him on the Seven Rules of the group, as the uncle begins to reshape his nephew's mindset on business, sales, and success. The pair tour London in search of clues to a puzzle, and discover hidden knowledge in ancient texts.
The Extremely Successful Salesman's club is a novel with a message. Rarely would I re-read a novel, but I will this one. A pleasant and informative read. If you can't abide the typical fluff novel, you may enjoy this one. It teaches a little something along the way.
The Extremely Successful Salesman's club is a novel with a message. Rarely would I re-read a novel, but I will this one. A pleasant and informative read. If you can't abide the typical fluff novel, you may enjoy this one. It teaches a little something along the way.
March 23, 2014
The “Extremely Successful Salesman’s Club” presents a compelling story of an elite group of business professionals that began meeting in 1843 and developed seven critical rules. These rules, as presented by Chris Murray, are told in such a captivating way that I could not put this book down. Each of the seven critical rules is enveloped in stories that make this book truly enjoyable.
However, “enjoyment” isn’t the reason to buy this book. Those seven rules guide salespeople – novices and veterans – to create a solid sales foundation.
However, “enjoyment” isn’t the reason to buy this book. Those seven rules guide salespeople – novices and veterans – to create a solid sales foundation.
April 5, 2014
I won this book through first reads.
I wasn't expecting this book to be written as a fictionalized diary of sorts. It really helped to keep the subject matter from being dry and difficult to read. The seven essential points that were laid out were well done and interesting, to say the least. I also enjoyed the manner in which this author wrote. It flowed along nicely.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I wasn't expecting this book to be written as a fictionalized diary of sorts. It really helped to keep the subject matter from being dry and difficult to read. The seven essential points that were laid out were well done and interesting, to say the least. I also enjoyed the manner in which this author wrote. It flowed along nicely.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
June 18, 2014
I won a copy of The Extremely Successful Salesman's Club on Goodreads. I loved this book! Most business books tend to be a little dry, but this book incorporated an innovative method of story telling that aided the reader in understanding sales theory. I think this book would appeal to people who love Spencer Johnson books.(less)
August 30, 2015
I'm not going to give an overview of the contents of this book - it's worth reading for yourself if you are in business, work for a charity or are in any position where a thorough understanding of what selling is really all about.
I have already bought several copies for clients (I am a sales trainer/coach myself). What Chris explains so eloquently and in an interesting fashion is how to establish the character, rather than personality, of an extremely successful salesperson.
He absolutely hits the nail on the head about so many attitudes that are necessary to help salespeople feel proud of their profession and be prepared to make their own character and reputation synonymous with the person they are in their career.
Above all, this is a 'must read' for sales managers who expect their staff the play a game with which they feel uncomfortable because they are having to adopt a work mask and 'do the things that salespeople do'. There is an old culture which believes that the role of salespeople is to sell as much gear as they can, come hell or high water, regardless of whether the customer really understand why they are buying the gear, or whether they have really understood that what they are buying is a 'must have'.
It is simply not OK, nor a measure of success, to be able to 'sell sand to the Arabs', 'ice to the Eskimos' (I know politically rude, but they are still frequently used expressions). It is quite simply wrong.
There are the people who think they are great sales people, or great sales trainers who teach people 'techniques'. I was hooked on this book and on Chris's approach from the moment he writes "There are no mere techniques here. This books contains principles, dear boy. You won't find fashionable ideas or parlor tricks disguised as wisdom in this mighty tome".
Thank you, Chris Murray, for writing the most brilliant book that covers all the fundamental areas that I allude to and try to demonstrate, but have never thought of capturing when training people 'how to'.
Extremely successful selling isn't about 'how to' - it is about having principles.
I have already bought several copies for clients (I am a sales trainer/coach myself). What Chris explains so eloquently and in an interesting fashion is how to establish the character, rather than personality, of an extremely successful salesperson.
He absolutely hits the nail on the head about so many attitudes that are necessary to help salespeople feel proud of their profession and be prepared to make their own character and reputation synonymous with the person they are in their career.
Above all, this is a 'must read' for sales managers who expect their staff the play a game with which they feel uncomfortable because they are having to adopt a work mask and 'do the things that salespeople do'. There is an old culture which believes that the role of salespeople is to sell as much gear as they can, come hell or high water, regardless of whether the customer really understand why they are buying the gear, or whether they have really understood that what they are buying is a 'must have'.
It is simply not OK, nor a measure of success, to be able to 'sell sand to the Arabs', 'ice to the Eskimos' (I know politically rude, but they are still frequently used expressions). It is quite simply wrong.
There are the people who think they are great sales people, or great sales trainers who teach people 'techniques'. I was hooked on this book and on Chris's approach from the moment he writes "There are no mere techniques here. This books contains principles, dear boy. You won't find fashionable ideas or parlor tricks disguised as wisdom in this mighty tome".
Thank you, Chris Murray, for writing the most brilliant book that covers all the fundamental areas that I allude to and try to demonstrate, but have never thought of capturing when training people 'how to'.
Extremely successful selling isn't about 'how to' - it is about having principles.
October 14, 2014
This was an interesting way to present the seven keys to success. Rather than reading like a boring how-to manual, it comes across like a story, adding to it's appeal. However, I am now sick of the the phrase, "Quite so. Quite right."
I'm not sure that this book will actually help me achieve my goals, I'm not really in sales, and I'm not really sure I have the determination to put these ideas into practice...but while reading I did want to put the book down and open the file for a story I started writing about a month ago that I haven't touched in ages, so I guess the book made a bit of an impression on me.
Copy received through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
I'm not sure that this book will actually help me achieve my goals, I'm not really in sales, and I'm not really sure I have the determination to put these ideas into practice...but while reading I did want to put the book down and open the file for a story I started writing about a month ago that I haven't touched in ages, so I guess the book made a bit of an impression on me.
Copy received through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
November 3, 2018
This book is brilliant. It’s an easy and enjoyable read, which is filled with great insight. It’s written in story form, which paints a picture and makes it easier to retain and recall the lessons.
My parents came to visit me from South Africa, and I recommended this book to my dad (he works in sales), he loved it so much, he asked if he could take it home with him. I allowed him, and now I’ve been told my mom has read it too, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I ordered another copy, but now my girlfriend is currently reading and enjoying it. I will probably have to order myself a new copy, as I plan on reading this book a few more times.
My parents came to visit me from South Africa, and I recommended this book to my dad (he works in sales), he loved it so much, he asked if he could take it home with him. I allowed him, and now I’ve been told my mom has read it too, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I ordered another copy, but now my girlfriend is currently reading and enjoying it. I will probably have to order myself a new copy, as I plan on reading this book a few more times.
April 13, 2016
I received this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
What a wonderful, delightfully quick read! This was so easy to get into that I just flew through the pages. An intriguing concept with plenty of laugh-out-loud humour for good measure.
I am far from a salesman, but I learnt so much from this book that I know I can definitely apply in my own life and career, and I believe everyone will find the same.
This is definitely one of my favourite books and I cannot wait for the sequel. Highly recommended! Rated 5/5.
What a wonderful, delightfully quick read! This was so easy to get into that I just flew through the pages. An intriguing concept with plenty of laugh-out-loud humour for good measure.
I am far from a salesman, but I learnt so much from this book that I know I can definitely apply in my own life and career, and I believe everyone will find the same.
This is definitely one of my favourite books and I cannot wait for the sequel. Highly recommended! Rated 5/5.
February 28, 2014
Goodreads Win! Will read and review once received!
I entered this for a friend but decided to read it before handing it over to her. I am so happy I did. i really enjoyed this book. The cover seems a little plane but it sort of catches my eye everytime I look at it. I thought the seven rules were quite interesting and pretty true. I will gladly recommend this book to others to read. I plan to keep an eye out for more books from this author.
I entered this for a friend but decided to read it before handing it over to her. I am so happy I did. i really enjoyed this book. The cover seems a little plane but it sort of catches my eye everytime I look at it. I thought the seven rules were quite interesting and pretty true. I will gladly recommend this book to others to read. I plan to keep an eye out for more books from this author.
December 11, 2014
I have had this book for some time, which I won in the Goodreads Giveaway. A quick and easy book to read with plenty of tips. I shall be passing this book onto my son-in-law who I know will enjoy this book.
June 29, 2014
It was informative,instructive and a good read.It involved knowing what the job of a salsesman is.Someone showing someone else the secerts on how to be a successful salesman.It's gives you things you can use in your own life.
March 3, 2014
Well written and enjoyable to read. Really good idea to write a work of fiction incorporating sales tips and techniques. Will certainly recommend it.
February 15, 2015
Lots of great common sense advice couched in a sweet story about a salesman club - you don't have to be a sales person to use & appreciate the smart words housed here.
January 4, 2015
*** received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads***
the book is great and I loved the topic!
the book is great and I loved the topic!
December 13, 2018
Vlot leesbaar boek over sales en de onderliggende noodzakelijke karaktertrekken en eigenschappen die een goede verkoper moet hebben. Een soort van geromantiseerde (of moet ik zeggen ge-roman-iseerde) coaching sessie geplaatst in het kader van een fluks en bedrijvig Londen van de 19e eeuw.
We volgen de 21-jarige Simeon die door zijn Oom Barnabas geïntroduceerd wordt bij de geheimzinnige "Extremely Successful Salesman's Club". Het boek bespreekt de introductieweek, een vereiste stap om als nieuweling te kunnen toetreden tot de club. Een beetje "the Da Vinci Code" voor zakenmensen. Zoeken naar verborgen symbolen, schimmige genootschappen, oude Latijnse boeken, the works...
Hoewel Simeon vaak wat te daft en pedant wordt uitgewerkt zodat nonkel Barnabas goedmoedig en begeesterend kan optreden en elke mens die al eens iets verkoopt de lessen al inherent zou moeten kennen is het toch een geestig, snel verorberd boekje dat op een rijtje zet hoe je de wereld moet aanpakken als je succesvol wil zijn.
We volgen de 21-jarige Simeon die door zijn Oom Barnabas geïntroduceerd wordt bij de geheimzinnige "Extremely Successful Salesman's Club". Het boek bespreekt de introductieweek, een vereiste stap om als nieuweling te kunnen toetreden tot de club. Een beetje "the Da Vinci Code" voor zakenmensen. Zoeken naar verborgen symbolen, schimmige genootschappen, oude Latijnse boeken, the works...
Hoewel Simeon vaak wat te daft en pedant wordt uitgewerkt zodat nonkel Barnabas goedmoedig en begeesterend kan optreden en elke mens die al eens iets verkoopt de lessen al inherent zou moeten kennen is het toch een geestig, snel verorberd boekje dat op een rijtje zet hoe je de wereld moet aanpakken als je succesvol wil zijn.
February 25, 2019
Rules to live by! The Extremely Successful Salesmen’s Club is a nice quaint little book! It goes through the ‘Seven Rules’ of being a good, naye, extremely successful salesman. It’s a nice reminder of the things you need to do, in any job in my opinion, to be successful!
December 19, 2018
I enjoyed the tale and lessons that were there to impart. It also asks provoking questions of the reader that could be uncomfortable in self reflection, but in such a gentle way, that you work through it and come out better for it by the end. I highly recommend this book for anyone, even if you don’t consider yourself in “sales”. Because really, no matter what you do for a living, you have to sell yourself.
September 3, 2014
This was less of a novel, and more of a guide on how to be successful as a businessman, and life in extension. While some of the tips are helpful, this is still not a highly well written piece of work.
If you're looking for a good novel read something else. If you're looking for tips on how to achieve your goals in life this is the book for you.
If you're looking for a good novel read something else. If you're looking for tips on how to achieve your goals in life this is the book for you.
June 14, 2016
http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-... a book with a protagonist with you're profession
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews