Compass

Top 5 Lessons Learned in Navigating Sales and Business Development

Sales| success mindset| Habits| Business Development
July 19, 2025•2 min read

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting an aspiring entrepreneur who had recently left her corporate job to embark on a new journey. Her story and desire for advice inspired me to reflect on the lessons I've learned throughout my career in sales, business development, and entrepreneurship. Here are five key takeaways that have shaped my path - especially in the beginning, along with what I am constantly reminded of:

1. Don't Quit, Quitters Never Win, and Winners Never Quit: Early in my sales career, the pressure of meeting quotas and facing rejection was overwhelming. Midway through my first year, I contemplated quitting. However, a persistent voice in my head urged me to "stay with it." That decision not only kept me in sales for two decades but also led me to launch my own sales training and consulting business. Remember, the learning happens in the valleys.

2. Consistency is Key to Success: Reflecting on my career, I realized that my success was closely tied to consistency in good habits. During challenging times, inconsistency was often the culprit. Self-discipline, confidence, and accountability have been my cornerstones.

3. QTIP - Quit Taking It Personally - it is a Numbers Game: In sales, setbacks are inevitable. Whether it's a tough client or a lost sale, it's crucial to ask, "What would I do the same, and what would I do differently?" Self-pity is a waste of energy. Instead, focus on learning and improving. Remember, it is a numbers game - even the best sales

4. Find a Mentor, Be a Mentor: Rather than comparing myself to others, I sought advice from those excelling in their fields. Investing in workshops, trainings, and masterminds has been invaluable. I spent a small fortune on seminars about being the best version of myself, learning how to become a facilitator/speaker, throughout my career. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. The best investment you will ever make is in yourself, your learning, and your personal/professional growth.

5. Self-Confidence is the Secret Sauce: Building self-confidence is a daily habit. Be kind to yourself, set strong boundaries, and embrace your authentic self. Confidence fuels growth and resilience.

These lessons have not only guided my career but also empowered me to help others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Embrace these insights, and you'll be well on your way to success in sales and business development, and will continue to be resilient in life.

Sales TipsBusiness SuccessSales ProcessSuccess Habits
Amy Lemire CSP DTM works with success-driven leaders and teams who want to be more, make more, and sell more with confidence, with momentum. She is the creator of “The Best Version of You: Success Habits Breakthrough” Program. For the past 10 years, she has trained thousands of sales and business professionals on standards of excellence, and mastery of the keys to success and the ‘Sales Confidence Code.’ Her focus is on how to win the inner game of self-confidence to drive peak performance results in sales, business, and speaking, through the mastery of success habits. After spending 2 decades in business-to-business and medical sales and training, Amy founded AIM Training and Consulting International. She is a certified “Habitfinder” Leadership Coach. Amy is the author of 2 books: “From Zero to Sales Hero,” and “From Zero to Speaker Hero.” Amy was recently designated as a Certified Speaking Professional, in March 2023, by the National Speakers Association, for delivering over 300 hours of training and speaking. She is also a VISTAGE-certified speaker. Amy is a Distinguished Toastmaster, the Past President of National Speakers Association, St Louis Chapter, and a Member of the National Speakers Association. She has been recognized as a Fortune 500 top sales performer and sales trainer for over 3 decades. When she is not working you may find her at local rock concert, personal development seminar, or at home with her husband Nigel and her cat Brianna.

Amy Lemire CSP

Amy Lemire CSP DTM works with success-driven leaders and teams who want to be more, make more, and sell more with confidence, with momentum. She is the creator of “The Best Version of You: Success Habits Breakthrough” Program. For the past 10 years, she has trained thousands of sales and business professionals on standards of excellence, and mastery of the keys to success and the ‘Sales Confidence Code.’ Her focus is on how to win the inner game of self-confidence to drive peak performance results in sales, business, and speaking, through the mastery of success habits. After spending 2 decades in business-to-business and medical sales and training, Amy founded AIM Training and Consulting International. She is a certified “Habitfinder” Leadership Coach. Amy is the author of 2 books: “From Zero to Sales Hero,” and “From Zero to Speaker Hero.” Amy was recently designated as a Certified Speaking Professional, in March 2023, by the National Speakers Association, for delivering over 300 hours of training and speaking. She is also a VISTAGE-certified speaker. Amy is a Distinguished Toastmaster, the Past President of National Speakers Association, St Louis Chapter, and a Member of the National Speakers Association. She has been recognized as a Fortune 500 top sales performer and sales trainer for over 3 decades. When she is not working you may find her at local rock concert, personal development seminar, or at home with her husband Nigel and her cat Brianna.

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