The great Hall of Fame baseball player Joe DiMaggio made everything look effortless. He was known as the Yankee Clipper because of his skill and grace. He was once asked why he played so hard. His reply was actually the secret to his greatness. He said, "I always thought there was at least one person in the stands who had never seen me play, and I didn't want to let them down."

His answer is also the definition of a true professional.

A true professional gives her best efforts day in and day out. A true professional invests daily in improving his skills. The sales professional makes each sales call count. The sales professional continually works on her "game." The sales professional seeks counsel and coaching from others who can assist in his development. The sales professional focuses on the needs of the prospect and seeks ways to solve those issues. The sales professional strives to draw out the best from those around her.

Today, give it your best shot. Today, make each sales interaction the most important one of your day. Today, focus on how you can strengthen your skills and techniques. Today, encourage your peers to be the best they can be.

Remember, today you may call on someone who has never seen you at your best ... and you don't want to let them down.

Now, go sell somebody something!!!

Bryan Flanagan believes in the sales profession and he respects salespeople. He conducts sales education for a variety of sales organizations. Contact Bryan at bflanagan@ziglar.com.