I was saddened to learn today that Zig Ziglar has passed away at 86. For all of his life he uplifted people with a message of positiveness and hope. He wrote numerous books and spoke to millions. He helped millions of salespeople with strategies to improve the customers experience. He inspired generations and his legacy will live on. If you haven’t read one of his books, I would encourage you to do so. It may change your life.
It was one of my hopes to meet him someday and get the honor of telling him “Thanks for changing my life.” Today I feel kinda hurt that I never will. Heroes aren’t supposed to die. There are a handful of people I can say and remember the exact moment they changed my life forever. Moments where I dread to think what my life would have become without influencers like him, it would have been awful. I’d skipped college when my successful first business took off in construction. At 18 I didnt plan on the Utah winters wiping out my income. I ended up working at a car lot and after a few weeks of struggling they put the hammer down and said if my sales didnt improve in the next week it was over. I was about to lose everything and have to move home.
One of the great sales managers there took me aside and said to go get the book by Zig Ziglar, Secrets of Closing The Sale. I remember being so broke buying a book was a last ditch expense. At that age its Top Raman or a $4.95 Book? The sales manager loaned me the money and made me promise to buy the book. I can still see myself in my apartment standing there looking at this book I’d bought. Clear as day. I’ve often reflected on that moment. The exact moment my life took a different direction. I didnt want to read a book, but it was do or die and I sensed this may make a difference. I forced myself to read it although it seemed like it was a different language. I forced myself to keep reading until I got it. The lights went on as to how much I could do. I still have that book to this day. I read it, applied it and it changed my life. It also saved my job. It gave me the tools to become a successful serial entrepreneur I’ve been all my life. I’m horrified when I think of what my life would have been without it. A few years later I was building companies and beating the failure rate of startups.
Over the years I bought his books and audio tapes. In dark moments and down times he helped keep my entrepreneur light alive. When my sales employees couldnt sell, I gave them that book. I’ve taught his principals to over a thousand sales people I’ve trained. His message just wasnt about sales. It was about how to be a better human being and improve your world. I would encourage you to goto his site at ZigZiglar.com and learn more about him.
RIP Zig Ziglar. The world will miss you.
Chris,
This is a wonderful tribute to an icon in our world. Thankfully, his positive messages live on in his books and recordings. He touched so many and I believe you are not alone in your story.
Thank you for sharing! 🙂 Marie Walker Riddle (@livinlime)
That’s a nice remembrance of Zig Chris. I was lucky to meet him a few years ago in Orange County. Back in the 80’s my company put on “See You At The Top” video training. It was the highlight of my time working for my first U.S. company. Just like you said, he helped you not only become a better sales professional, but a better human being. What a kind and wonderful man he was.
Thanks Gary and Marie!
Lost an Inspirational Leader in Zig
Great post Chris. I also remember the great Video post you did a few months back on Zigs new book “Born To Win” Super stuff and Zig Ziglar was an incredible mentor to Millions!
Zig was a man without ‘side’. I met him in passing at an NSA Conference in Texas. He didn’t know me from Adam but was happy to stand and chat for as long as it took. I found him a most pleasant fellow, and just as natural on the platform.