8 Motivational Quotes That Inspire Your Sales Team—Plus What Really Gets Us Dialing
Sales isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a grind. You know the feeling—picking up the phone for your 30th cold call of the day, handling objections like a pro, or chasing that elusive yes after hearing no more times than you can count. Staying motivated isn’t just important—it’s what keeps you dialing.
So what actually works when your energy dips? What helps you push through rejection, find your next win, and keep momentum alive?
We went straight to the source—our Account Growth Specialist (AGS) team, the people making calls, booking appointments, and building relationships every day. They shared what keeps them fired up: a mix of timeless motivational quotes, pump-up songs, and a few gifs that deliver the perfect hype.
Now, we’re passing it on to you. We’re sharing their favorites here—alongside some timeless wisdom—to give you the fuel you need when you hit a rough patch. Because whether you need a quote that makes you sit up straighter or a song that kicks you into gear, these are the moments that keep sales pros going.
Let’s get into it.
Timeless Motivation: The Quotes We Keep Coming Back To
“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
- Winston Churchill
Why It Hits:
Winston Churchill delivered these words in 1941 during World War II, addressing students at Harrow School as Britain faced immense challenges. His message wasn’t just about war—it was about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Sales is full of highs and lows. Some days, you’re closing deals left and right. Other days, it feels like every call is a rejection. The difference between the top performers and everyone else? They don’t stop.
“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”
- Michael John Bobak
Why It Hits:
Not much is known about Michael John Bobak, but this quote has taken on a life of its own in personal development and business circles. It speaks to the idea that real growth—whether in sales, leadership, or innovation—only happens when we stretch beyond what feels easy or safe.
That first cold call? Awkward. That big pitch? Nerve-wracking. But every time you step into discomfort, you grow.
Real sales success doesn’t come from playing it safe. It happens when you take the extra step—whether that’s making the follow-up call, asking the tough question, or pushing through the fear of rejection.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
- Thomas Paine
Why It Hits:
Thomas Paine, one of the most influential voices of the American Revolution, wrote these words in The American Crisis in 1776 to inspire soldiers struggling through brutal winter conditions. His message? The greatest victories come from the greatest struggles.
If you’re in sales, you’ve felt this: the biggest wins don’t come easy. That deal that seemed dead in the water? The follow-ups, the pivots, the problem-solving—they make closing it all the more satisfying. Triumph in sales comes to those willing to fight for it.
“Most people think ‘selling’ is the same as ‘talking.’ But the most effective salespeople know that listening is the most important part of their job.”
- Roy Bartell
Why It Hits:
Little is documented about Roy Bartell, but this quote remains a cornerstone of modern sales training. It flips the traditional idea of a “salesperson” on its head—showing that the best closers aren’t talkers, they’re listeners.
Think about it: the best sales calls don’t happen when you’re running through a script. They happen when you ask the right questions—and actually listen to the answers. Great salespeople don’t pitch. They diagnose, they solve, and they build relationships.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
- Thomas Edison
Why It Hits:
Thomas Edison was no stranger to failure—he reportedly made over 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before perfecting the light bulb. This quote captures his belief that persistence breeds success, a mindset every sales professional should adopt.
In sales, deals aren’t usually won on the first call—or even the fifth. Studies show that most sales happen after at least five follow-ups, yet 44% of salespeople give up after just one. The takeaway? Success is just on the other side of persistence.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
- George Addair
Why It Hits:
This quote is often attributed to George Washington Addair, a 20th-century real estate developer who built his business during economic downturns. His message? The greatest opportunities exist just beyond what scares us.
The top closers step through that fear. They make the call. They ask the bold question. They hear "no" and keep going. The success you want is on the other side of the risks you’re willing to take.
“I got lucky because I never gave up the search. Are you quitting too soon? Or are you willing to pursue luck with a vengeance?”
- Jill Konrath
Why It Hits:
Jill Konrath is a sales strategist and bestselling author, known for her insights on modern selling tactics. Here, she reminds us that luck is rarely luck—it’s persistence in disguise.
Luck isn’t random—it’s made. The top sales professionals don’t wait for the right opportunity. They create it. Follow up when others don’t. Keep refining your pitch. Put yourself in the right place at the right time—over and over again. The more consistent you are, the “luckier” you’ll get.
“High expectations are the key to everything.”
- Sam Walton
Why It Hits:
Sam Walton built Walmart into a retail empire by believing in high expectations and relentless execution. He knew that if you aim for average, you’ll get mediocre results.
Sales is the same way. If you expect calls to go poorly, they probably will. If you expect success—if you set the bar high and refuse to settle—you’ll get there. The best salespeople see themselves winning before it happens.
The Real Sales Lesson Behind These Quotes
Motivation is what gets you started. But mindset, skill, and grit? That’s what keeps you closing deals.
Perseverance when you want to quit.
Stepping into discomfort when you’d rather play it safe.
Listening when you’re tempted to fill the silence.
Believing in success—even before you see it.
Because the best salespeople know this truth:
Motivation gets you started. But mindset, skill, and grit—that’s what closes the deal.
And on the days when the calls feel harder than us?
That’s when you reach for one of these. Then you dial again.
When the Coffee Isn’t Enough: Sales Motivation That Keeps Us Dialing
Let’s be honest—there are days in sales when even the strongest coffee blend can’t cut through the rejection fatigue. That’s when you need something extra. The right quote, a hype song blasting in your ears, or a ridiculous gif that makes you laugh right before you hit “dial” can be the difference between phoning it in and closing the deal.
So, we asked the AGS team: What gets you fired up when you need to push through?
Their answers? Motivational gold.
From Tim Duncan to Elevator Dancing—Ashley’s Blueprint for Sales Greatness
Contributed by: Ashley J
Quote:
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” – Tim Duncan (via retirement speech)
Why It Hits:
Sales is never about coasting. Even wins can be improved.
Song:
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
That bassline alone can carry you through a rough afternoon.
Gif:
Because sometimes you have to celebrate a small win like nobody’s watching—even if everyone is.
Smile, Dial, and Try Again—Amber’s Guide to Pushing Through
Contributed by: Amber D
Quote:
“Smile and dial.” – Said like the Penguins of Madagascar’s “Smile and wave, boys.”
Why It Hits:
Your energy on the phone matters. People can hear your smile.
Song:
Try Again – Aaliyah
If at first you don’t succeed… you know the rest. (Cold calling anthem, anyone?)
Gif:
Sometimes it’s the little wins—like not getting hung up on—that deserve a celebration.
Taking Hits and Throwing Horns—Quinton’s Heavy Metal Sales Survival Kit
Contributed by: Quinton D
Quote:
“You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Rocky Balboa (2006)
Why It Hits:
Every sales pro has taken a beating. The best keep getting back up.
Song:
Metal Health – Quiet Riot
Nothing says “I’m making 50 more calls” like some ‘80s metal.
Gif:
Channel that energy when you finally book the appointment.
Towanda! Take the Leap—McCartney’s Battle Cry for Bold Selling
Contributed by: McCartney B
Quote:
“Towanda!” – Idgie, Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Why It Hits:
It’s a battle cry. Sometimes you just need to yell something before taking on the day.
Song:
On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
Manifest those wins, one chorus at a time.
Gif:
Because every sales call is an adventure into the unknown.
Failure? Nah. DJ Khaled Says We Win—Laura’s Recipe for Relentless Sales
Contributed by: Laura H
Quote:
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – (Not Actually Churchill or Lincoln)
Why It Hits:
This quote often gets credited to Winston Churchill—or sometimes Abraham Lincoln—but the truth is, neither of them actually said it. Doesn’t matter. It’s still a solid reminder that success in sales (and life) is about staying positive, even when things don’t go your way.
Song: All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled
Because sometimes you need to speak it into existence.
Gif:
A chaotic, motivational masterpiece. Perfect for shaking off a bad call.
Play the Hand, Play to Win—Amanda’s Sales Table Stakes
Contributed by: Amanda T
Quote:
“The key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted.” – Kaitlyn Walsh
Why It Hits:
Not every lead is perfect. Play it like it is.
Song:
Triumphant (Get 'Em) – Mariah Carey
Because we’re here to win.
Gif:
Sometimes you gotta hype yourself up like you’re on national TV.
You Miss Every Shot You Don’t Take—MacKenzie’s Confidence Kickstart
Contributed by: MacKenzie Mahoney
Quote:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Michael Scott (Wayne Gretzky)
Why It Hits:
The quote is pure sales gold—but let’s be real, most of us picture the scene from The Office where Michael Scott writes it on a whiteboard… and then quotes himself quoting Gretzky. It’s the perfect blend of wisdom and humor—just like a day in sales.
Song: Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Yes, again. It’s that good.
Gif:
Exactly the vibe you need before hitting “dial.”
Consistency is Queen—Tiffany’s Formula for Long-Term Wins
Contributed by: Tiffany B
Quote:
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo
Why It Hits:
Sales is consistency. Day in, day out.
Song: I Am Woman – Jordin Sparks
Empowerment anthem? Yes, please.
Gif:
Perfect pre-call mindset.
Clear Eyes, Full Pipeline, Can’t Lose—Andrew’s Sales Team Playbook
Contributed by: Andrew C
Quote:
“Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” – Coach Taylor, Friday Night Lights (2004)
Why It Hits:
Bring the right mindset into every call.
Song: A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash
Because grit wins.
Gif:
Sales = team sport. Boost your squad.
It’s Just Spaghetti—Sheila’s Sales Zen Reminder
Contributed by: Sheila A
Quote:
“It’s just spaghetti.” – My manager at Olive Garden years ago
Why It Hits:
Sometimes, we overthink everything. Relax. It’s just spaghetti.
Song: Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Because it’s the ultimate sales anthem.
Gif:
Sheila left this blank… so we filled it in with this. Because let’s be honest—we’ve all been there. Brain on empty, mid-call, wondering what we were even about to say.
Final Countdown & Buddy the Elf—Jennifer’s Writing Desk Hype Mix
Contributed by: Jennifer B (Content Writer)
Quote:
“The question isn't who is going to let me, it's who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
Why It Hits:
Whether you’re writing a pitch or making the call, confidence is everything.
Song:
The Final Countdown – Europe
Because every deadline (or sales target) deserves its own epic soundtrack.
Gif:
Honestly… it’s the energy we all need sometimes—whether we’re dialing, writing, or just trying to survive Monday.
Motivation Gets You Started—Momentum Closes the Deal
The difference between good sales reps and great ones isn’t just skill—it’s the ability to stay in the game, even on the tough days. The right mindset, the right habits, and the right hype can be what separates you from the competition.
Call Ivy and Drop Your Sales Hype!
What fuels you?
That quote you scribbled on a sticky note.
That song you blast before a big call.
That ridiculous gif that keeps you going.
Now, you can share it with Ivy, our AI-powered sales assistant! Just call in and leave a message with your go-to motivation, and you might hear it featured in our next hype round-up.
Give her a call anytime day or night: 330-997-3083.
Call Ivy now and tell us what keeps you fired up!
Because let’s be real—coffee can only do so much.
Need more than motivation?
Want a sales process that keeps you moving forward, even when the motivation fades? Let’s talk about building your million dollar sales pipeline now!